"It was really last minute," McAvoy said, noting he was brought on to M. Night Shyamalan's movie just two weeks before filming began. Left: James McAvoy (Photo: Michael Loccisano/), Right: Joaquin Phoenix (Photo: Elisabetta A.

With two weeks to spare, James McAvoy had to learn his 'Split' character, which had more than 20 personalities.

James McAvoy recently appeared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast to promote his recently released horror thriller Speak No Evil . While on the show, he revealed some interesting insight into how he landed his role in M.

James McAvoy has recalled the experience of replacing Joaquin Phoenix as the central character in 'Split', after he left the role two weeks before shooting.

Joaquin Phoenix passed on a role in Split, which later earned James McAvoy critical acclaim and several awards.

Despite the initial challenges, McAvoy's portrayal became a standout aspect of the film, which received widespread acclaim and revived Shyamalan’s directorial reputation. Phoenix’s departure could have been a major setback, but McAvoy’s performance helped make Split one of Shyamalan's best-received films in years.

“Split” lead star James McAvoy addressed the rumors that Phoenix left the project mere weeks before filming was to begin, prompting McAvoy to step into the role that was originally meant for the “Joker” star. That left McAvoy only 14 days to prepare to play a character that had 15 different personalities.

James McAvoy recently revealed how he joined M. Night Shyamalan's psychological thriller film Split only a few weeks before they began filming the project. McAvoy shared that after Joaquin Phoenix reportedly left the film,