James McAvoy Says ‘Split’ Is The Only Film That ‘Really Consistently Pays Me’

James McAvoy, widely recognized for his varied roles across cinema, recently shed light on the financial aftermath of his film career, revealing that the 2016 thriller "Split" is the sole project from which he continues to receive regular residual payments. Despite a diverse portfolio including critically acclaimed and blockbuster films such as "Atonement" and "X-Men: First Class," McAvoy disclosed that residuals from most of his other works are either negligible or irregular.

During a recent appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, McAvoy discussed the uncommon financial success stemming from his collaboration with director M. Night Shyamalan. He described "Split" as a rare example in his career where paychecks for residuals have been both consistent and meaningful, contrasting with the often minuscule payments that can sometimes be lower than mailing costs.

"Split," made on a modest budget reportedly around $6 million, quickly turned profitable, with its box office returns far exceeding initial investments. The film grossed approximately $278 million worldwide, including over $138 million domestically, marking a significant commercial triumph. This success translated into immediate and ongoing financial benefits for McAvoy, with the first residuals arriving as early as the film's opening weekend.

The psychological horror narrative showcases McAvoy in a demanding role, portraying a character with 23 distinct personalities who kidnaps three young women. The film explores the tension and peril surrounding the emergence of a feared 24th personality. Supporting cast members included Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, and Jessica Sula, who contributed to the film's critical and commercial acclaim.

McAvoy also reflected on his working relationship with Shyamalan, emphasizing the director's meticulous preparation and efficient production style. He highlighted how Shyamalan’s ability to maximize limited budgets and tightly manage shooting schedules contributed not only to the quality of "Split" but also to its financial viability.

This experience with "Split" and its sequel "Glass," also directed by Shyamalan on similarly restrained budgets, exemplifies a model of filmmaking where careful planning and resourcefulness can yield substantial returns, both artistically and financially.

The insight McAvoy provides offers a candid glimpse into the often unpredictable nature of film residuals, illustrating how even established actors may find ongoing earnings from their work to be inconsistent. His commentary underscores the unique position "Split" holds in his career as an enduring source of income.

Details about McAvoy’s earnings from other projects remain limited, but his remarks highlight the broader challenges actors face in the current entertainment landscape regarding residual compensation. "Split" stands out not only as a critical and commercial success but also as a rare example of sustainable financial reward for those involved.

As discussions around fair compensation in the film industry continue, McAvoy’s experience underscores the importance of projects that balance creative ambition with fiscal prudence, offering lessons for actors and filmmakers alike.