Weedy hero James McAvoy

Feb 8, 2010, 6:02 GMT

James McAvoy is not a leading man.

The 'Last Station' star - whose wife Anne-Marie Duff is currently pregnant with their first child - is aware he doesn't look like a typical action hero but hopes his talents can help him win bigger Hollywood roles.

He said: "The image I see in the bathroom mirror is not that of a leading man. It's a pale Scottish guy who needs to go to the gym.

"But hopefully there is a bit more to it than that. I hope that I bring a little bit of the internal life of the hero alive, which makes up for the fact he's a pale weedy little git."

While he expects to be mocked for his looks, 30-year-old James - who first rose to fame in British TV show 'Shameless' - believes he has it easy as casting directors are much tougher with their scrutiny of actresses.

He told Britain's Elle magazine: "I'd hate to be a woman in this business. They're not allowed to be imperfect. If you see an actress weighing over 90lbs being cast for anything, it's considered totally edgy and 'out there' experimental cinema, which is ridiculous."

Despite enjoying success in movies such as 'Atonement' and 'Wanted', the actor insists he isn't as rich as people may think.

He said: "I don't earn millions and millions of dollars. I'm self employed and I might stop working tomorrow for all I know. I've got to be frugal and be a tight Scotsman."