James McAvoy new movie with Hollyoaks star on Malvern Hills

Dan Hough, aged 15, has starred with James McAvoy in the new horror comedy 'Speak No Evil', which was filmed on the Malvern Hills and released in cinemas today (Friday, September 13).

Dan is also in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks, where he plays Arlo Fielding.

In the film, Paddy (McAvoy) is away with his wife Clara, played by Aisling Franciosi, and son, Ant, played by Dan, who has a disability which makes him unable to talk. 

It is a remake of the 2022 film of the same name and follows a family that has been invited to spend a weekend at an idyllic country house, but the holiday quickly becomes a nightmare. 

Dan was discovered in Malvern by talent agent Tarquin Shaw-Young.

Part of Speak No Evil was filmed in a 'secret location' near Malvern, while several scenes were filmed on the Malvern Hills. 

Worcestershire Film Office facilitated filming at Hollybush Quarries, a trio of quarries nestled in the Malvern Hills. 

Dan said: "It was amazing, it's almost an adrenaline rush to be involved. 

"Being part of the film, you get your work family and you've all connected by the end. 

"I loved the danger of doing my own stunts, I loved the bit where I get thrown into a pond."

Dan filmed for three months, including 10 weeks in the UK and a few in Croatia. 

He also attended the premiere of the in New York, where director James Watkins was full of praise. 

Mr Shaw-Young told the Gazette: "I had seen the original film and thought he would be perfect for the role. 

"Dan had never acted professionally before I discovered him at an audition in Malvern. 

"He blew me away with how self-assured he was.

"He was in some quite heavy scenes and it was incredible how he deals with it. 

"It was quite bizarre that the film was shot right on my doorstep in the Malvern Hills. 

"I met James McAvoy on set, he is a big star but the consummate professional, and the chemistry between the cast was brilliant."