TORONTO – While in town for the Toronto International Film Festival, where he was sucker-punched in a nearby bar by a random patron, actor James McAvoy feels certain that it was likely perpetrated by someone who was dissatisfied with a movie he starred in, but is having difficulty determining which one.
“Honestly, the number of times I’ve been in a film that made people say they wanted to punch me is staggering,” McAvoy said, seemingly unharmed or at least once again being a better actor than the moment requires. “Glass, Sherlock Gnomes, those last couple of X-Men prequels. I once had someone say they wanted to fight me for The Last King of Scotland, and that one got me a BAFTA nomination.”
While some witnesses are claiming the perpetrator was intoxicated and not targeting McAvoy specifically, others remain unconvinced. Jason Smitterman, a barback at Charlotte’s Room where the incident took place, says the opportunity to hit the first time director might have been too tempting for any Torontonian to resist.
“I know a lot of good people who have lost time they’ll never get back to Victor Frankenstein,” recalled Smitterman “Even though McAvoy had his back turned, I think somehow this guy knew this was his chance to strike a blow for all of us average Joes who’ve been suckered into watching something lousy just because he’s a good actor, only to find out just how badly he’s sold out.”
“All I know is the guy who decked him for sure hadn’t seen Welcome to the Punch, because that for sure would’ve been a hilarious thing to say after.”
No charges have been laid against the perpetrator. McAvoy, who laughed the incident off, recalls that he got roughed up much worse on the set of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
In related news, a different TIFF-goer was unable to punch actor Dwayne Johnson in the back of the head due to contract requirements that he never lose a fight.
