James McAvoy has reflected on “failure” in film and stage projects, claiming he was “slaughtered” by critics for his worst efforts.

The Scottish actor, who was celebrated for his roles in films such as The last king of Scotland, atonementAnd dirtsaid he could tolerate criticism because he was “numb” to it.

He quoted the play The film role of the hanged man as an example of a work that was very poorly received at the beginning of his career.

“That was hard,” he said The Guardian“Only one critic liked my performance in it, and he misspelled my name.”

McAvoy continued: “I think I’ve become jaded because my whole life I’ve been either applauded or booed on screens and stages, and it’s a gamble. I don’t always win that bet. I can handle criticism because I’ve failed on both platforms, and failed badly, and I handle it well.”

“I’ve been in films that were either devastating or dismissed with so little praise that you knew no one would see them.”

Although he did not specify which films he was referring to, McAvoy has starred in a number of poorly received films, including X-Men: ApocalypseTennis drama Wimbledonand M Night Shyamalan Thriller Glass.

“If I see a good movie or a good play, I’d rather be in a good play,” he continued. “But if I see a bad movie or a bad play, I’d 100 percent rather be in a bad movie: you get paid more, the audience isn’t there, nobody can boo you, and then when the movie comes out, a year has passed and you don’t even have to see it.”

McAvoy’s next project is Speak no evila dark thriller in which he plays one half of a couple who invites another couple to their holiday home.

A remake of the 2022 Danish film of the same name. Speak no evil Aisling Franciosi, Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy also star.

In another interview, McAvoy revealed that his “toxic” character in the film was inspired by misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate.