Before James McAvoy became Professor X to the world, he was once Mr. Tumnus in C.S. Lewis’ movie adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. For many fans who grew up watching the film trilogy, the character is a fan-favorite choice.
It wouldn’t be the case though had McAvoy was not hired for the role. The studio initially wanted a much older guy, but this decision would have landed the film in a pool of controversy.
James McAvoy Discussed Playing Mr. Tumnus In The Chronicles of Narnia
While speaking with GQ, actor James McAvoy talked about the role of Mr. Tumnus in the first The Chronicles of Narnia movie. He revealed that he wasn’t the first choice for the part.
Mr. Tumnus is, I think, a centuries-old fawn. Interestingly enough, as a character who would go on to kidnap a young, I think, five-year-old, six-year-old girl, they were looking at much older actors, not much older, but like thirties and forties.
They eventually realized that the decision might have repercussions. McAvoy continued, “And they were like, this just seems wrong. This seems really creepy.” The Scottish star said the studio “knew that they had to get somebody who was young and who was nice and seemed un-threatening” and he proudly believes he was all those things.
McAvoy was only 25 years old when he played Mr. Tumnus, opposite Georgie Henley, who portrayed Lucy Pevensie, who was 10 years old at the time the first film came out in 2005. In another interview with MTV, the actor shared some interesting facts about the background of his character:
The fawn or the satyr is a Dionysian follower of Bacchus in Greek mythology who are the bringers of mischief and orgiastic activity, and so the fact that C.S. Lewis chose that character to meet and kidnap the young girl is kind of weird.
That’s definitely a fact that many fans are unaware of, but thanks to the studio’s wise decision and attentiveness to detail, they managed to avoid one mishap that would have doomed the franchise from the very start.
Updates On The Chronicles of Narnia Reboot
A movie reboot is currently under development with Barbie director Greta Gerwig attached to the project. The news left a shock to the fans given how the children’s fantasy franchise was so beloved despite its failure. Many had been wondering how Gerwig would pull the project off.
She previously confessed via Total Film that she’s “properly scared” and “terrified of it.” The revival is expected to be a two-picture deal in collaboration with Netflix, and shooting is expected to commence by the end of the year or early next year.
Gerwig was able to put her own spin on Barbie, so it is highly likely that she has got something exciting for the upcoming Narnia duology. James McAvoy has previously debunked rumors that he’s been contacted to appear in the project.
The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy is available to watch on Disney+.
