James McAvoy suddenly went from critically acclaimed, Golden Globe nominated stage and screen actor to bullet-bending box office hero this summer.

This Scottish stud proved he could muscle up and hold his own alongside action vet Angelina Jolie - in what proved to be one of the best movies of the season!

His turn in Wanted was perfectly suited to his talents, allowing him to portray the movie's wide-eyed everyman character with utmost believability. For those who know him from Atonement, The Last King of Scotland, and the British TV series Shameless, it was another in a series of solid performances that has earned him his status as a serious actor Hollywood can bank on.

It is rumored that he will star in the upcoming movie version of The Lord Of The Rings prequel, The Hobbit. He has however kept his poker face on. Though there is no official word that he will take the lead in the film, it would be no surprise.

Next up, McAvoy is getting back to his roots with a serious historical drama called The Last Station. The movie details the struggles of Leo Tolstoy, a Russian writer widely regarded as one of the greatest of all novelists (the dude who wrote War and Peace). No explosions. But a fascinating tale; surely a possible award contender. Helen Mirren also stars in the film, as well as his wife, Anne-Marie Duff.

Though it's uncertain when James will be gun slinging again, you can bet his every move will be worth watching.

Word.
-Wes