James McAvoy Recounts Being Bullied on 'Band of Brothers' Set

James McAvoy has spoken out about a difficult experience he faced on his first day as a professional actor on the set of HBO's "Band of Brothers." Appearing on "Watch What Happens Live," McAvoy was asked to rank his experiences on various film and television sets.

He recalled that on his initial day, which involved a scene with many actors at a bar, he was targeted by one of his castmates and their friends. McAvoy explained that many of the other actors had been on the show for months and had limited lines, while he, as a newcomer, had a more significant arc and numerous lines. This disparity, he believes, contributed to the tension.

"One of the guys in that picture decided to bully me. On my first day as a professional actor out of acting school," McAvoy said, referencing a photo of the "Band of Brothers" cast. "He got him and his buddies to just stand pointing at me and laugh at me for, like, three minutes."

Fortunately, McAvoy noted that two co-stars, Dexter Fletcher and Robin Laing, intervened and offered him support, inviting him to spend time with them. "They took me aside and were like, ’Come hang with us, man,’" he shared.

Despite this negative experience, McAvoy stated that he would rate his overall time on the show a nine out of ten, with the bullying incident being the sole detracting factor, bringing that specific day down to a two.

McAvoy's account follows similar sentiments from actor Andrew Scott, who also appeared in "Band of Brothers." In a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, Scott described his time on the show as "difficult," citing a need for community on set and differing approaches to the acting process among some involved. He also expressed a lack of enthusiasm for playing a soldier and a discomfort with weapons.