James McAvoy to star in Colm McCarthy's 'Escape'

James McAvoy

James McAvoy is set to star in 'Escape', the upcoming drama from filmmaker Colm McCarthy. Phantom Four's David S Goyer and Kevin Turen are producing, reported Deadline.

'Escape' was a speculative screenplay written by first-time scribe Asher, based on his family's experience in Sarajevo where they lived until the break-up of the country in 1992.

It is a true story about a professor (McAvoy) who is caught in Sarajevo as the city is turned into an explosive battleground and who sacrifices his own safety to stay behind and continue teaching. But as the massacre escalates, his window of opportunity to join his family is quickly closing and he must fight his way out amidst the turmoil.

"'Escape is the incredibly moving true story of Vanya's father and how heroic it can be for a civilian to escape from conflict for the sake of his family," said McCarthy.