Directed by James McAvoy and based on a true story, California Schemin’ raps its way to a teaser trailer and poster. Get rich or try lying!
Have you heard or know the story about the American rap duo Silibil N’ Brains? The duo were the brainchild of Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd. They also ended up touring with Eminem. But here’s the kicker…the pair were not American at all. Instead, they hailed from Scotland! Their story was captured in the autobiographical book Straight Outta Scotland by Gavin Bain. Now, their story is heading for the big screen.
STUDIOCANAL has today revealed an exclusive first look at the teaser trailer and poster for the film. This is CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN’, the directorial debut of James McAvoy. UK and Irish cinemas will release the film on April 10, 2026.
CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN’ stars Séamus McLean Ross (Outlander: Blood of My Blood, Rebus), Samuel Bottomley (How to Have Sex, Anemone), Lucy Halliday (Blue Jean, The Testaments) and Rebekah Murrell (Pirates, One Day), alongside McAvoy himself.
THE PREMISE
Based on the improbably true story, the film follows aspiring Scottish MCs Gavin (Séamus McLean Ross) and Billy (Samuel Bottomley). They devise an audacious scheme to achieve their dream of a record deal by posing as Californian hip hop artists.
As fame calls and lies pile up, they face a test of their friendship.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Elaine Gracie and Archie Thomson wrote “California Schemin’.” Danny Page from Homefront Productions and Michael Mendelsohn from Patriot Pictures are producing the film, along with Paul Aniello from Tartan Bridge and Simon Kay. The National Lottery is funding the film through Screen Scotland. Additionally, Mendelsohn’s Union Patriot Capital affiliate is financing the film production.
Executive Producers include Natalie Perrotta and Jim Steele for Patriot Pictures, Naysun Alae-Carew, Nic Crum, Lauren Lamarr for Blazing Griffin; Steven Little and Kieran Hannigan for Screen Scotland; Stephen Kelliher and Yana Georgieva are Executive Producers for Bankside Films.
Co-Producers are Barry Hutchison and Fiona Hutchison for Zertex Media, and Isabelle Georgeaux for Pont Neuf Productions.
THE POSTER
CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN’ will be released by STUDIOCANAL in the UK and Ireland on 10 April 2026.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
