James McAvoy was 'put off' directing because he can earn '10 times as much' in front of the camera

James McAvoy was "put off" directing by the lower pay because he can earn "10 times as much" when he's in front of the camera.

The X-Men star made his directorial debut by taking charge of new movie California Schemin' - which tells the true story of two Scottish rappers who ditch their accents and pretend to be American in a bid for success - and James has admitted he's wanted to direct for years but the father-of-two was held back by worries about money.

James told The Times newspaper: "I can earn 10 times as much as an actor as I can as a director! That put me off it for a while, and then kids and all that.

"But ultimately it was getting on for 28 years in the business and I was feeling the itch to do something different."

James went on to insist he'll never give up acting but he's keen to expand his career into other areas.

He added: "I love acting. I won’t stop. But I can’t imagine it’s all I’m going to do for the rest of my life."