From Narnia to Venice — James McAvoy has come a long way

FROM playing a faun to a much-deserved leading man status in a big-budgeted romance-war drama, James McAvoy is certainly going places.

The actor who first made a splash as a half-man, half-goat in “The Chronicles of Narnia” is in Venice for the ongoing film festival. James’ film with Keira Knightley, “Atonement,” opened the festival to good reception.

Over lunch at the famed Hotel Cipriani, James told us that he has wrapped up filming his movie with Angelina Jolie, “Wanted.” But he is raring to go back to the stage after having been away from the boards for at least a couple of years. He said he may be back in theater next year.

We’re happy for James — he has remained the same simple, unassuming guy from his “Narnia” days, when he was a virtual unknown. When we congratulated and told him that he’s come a long way from “Narnia,” James simply broke into an embarrassed smile.

Editor’s note: Photo by Ruben V. Nepales