James McAvoy ‘Seriously’ Considered Becoming a Priest — Until He Started ‘Thinking About Girls’

Scottish actor James McAvoy has revealed that he once harboured ambitions of becoming a Catholic priest during his youth, a dream that was ultimately set aside as he entered adolescence. In a candid recent interview, McAvoy reflected on this early aspiration, sharing insights into his personal journey of faith and how it shifted with the natural changes of growing up.

At the age of 13, the actor speculated seriously about a life in the priesthood, particularly inspired by the allure of missionary work. McAvoy explained that his desire to travel and explore the world played a significant role in this contemplation. “I wanted to travel,” he recalled. “I thought the priesthood might be a good way to do that. I specifically thought about missionary work because I thought I could travel to incredible places.” Such ambitions, however, took a turn when he began to develop romantic interests.

In a humorous tone, he elaborated, “I don’t think I quite appreciated the idea of celibacy… When I started thinking about girls, the priesthood sort of drifted away.” This light-hearted admission illustrates a relatable transition many experience as they navigate the complexities of adolescence.

McAvoy’s exploration of themes related to faith and spirituality has come to the fore in his latest film, “Faith,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 11 September. In this supernatural drama, he portrays a character shrouded in mystery, crossing paths with a grieving mother played by Erin Doherty. The film, directed by Paul Andrew Williams, delves into the intersections of loss and belief, offering a thought-provoking narrative that resonates with audiences.

During discussions on set, McAvoy was often confronted with questions about his own beliefs. “On set, people would ask, ‘Do you believe in God?’ And I was like, ‘Don’t think so,’” he recounted. His flippant response to these inquiries reflects a candid disposition towards spirituality, highlighting a disconnect between his role and his personal views. He acknowledged, “Well, I do films about superheroes and wizards, and they don’t exist.”

The actor has acknowledged that while he does not identify as religious or particularly spiritual in the conventional sense, his passion for acting and art carries a semblance of spirituality. “I do f—ing wank on and eulogize about acting and art and all those things in a way that you could point the finger at me and say I’m kind of spiritual about that,” he commented. This perspective suggests that while McAvoy’s childhood ambitions have evolved, his appreciation for creative expression remains steadfast.

Despite his earlier aspirations, McAvoy indicates that he has largely moved beyond the influences of his Catholic upbringing. “Hopefully, I’ve managed to emancipate myself from Catholic guilt, but sometimes I still bear its scars,” he shared, acknowledging the long-lasting impact of his formative years. This introspection adds a layer of depth to his persona, revealing how personal history shapes an artist’s approach to their work.

Following its debut at TIFF, “Faith” currently does not have a confirmed release date, leaving fans eager for more information. In addition to this project, McAvoy is set to appear in the upcoming miniseries “Meantime” as well as the thriller “Control.” Furthermore, he is preparing for his feature directorial debut with the Scottish comedy “California Schemin’,” which is slated for release on 9 October.

James McAvoy’s revelations about his past and current beliefs offer an intriguing glimpse into the mind of one of Scotland’s most celebrated actors. His journey from contemplating the priesthood to engaging in the art of storytelling underscores the complex relationship between personal faith, identity, and creativity. As he continues to explore the human experience through his roles, audiences can anticipate a blend of introspective narratives and captivating performances from this multifaceted talent.