(Cover) - EN Showbiz - James McAvoy had to speak in an American accent around Robert Redford because he couldnt understand him.

The Scottish-born actor has a strong lilt and he admits it left the Hollywood legend puzzled whenever they spoke. So while James was working on The Conspirator, which is directed by Robert, he was ordered to maintain the American speaking voice he uses in the film. At first, James thought this was because Robert was concerned he wouldnt be able to maintain the accent during his scenes, but he soon realised he had made the suggestion so they could communicate more easily.

He wanted me to be American all the time and I was a bit like, You know what I am confident doing the accent, are you worried about it? Is that why you want me to speak like that all the time? and he was like, No, its just because I cant understand a word you say. So I was like, Right, OK, no problem! James laughed during an interview with a British television show.

The 31-year-old star made sure Robert never heard him using his native accent. However, he admits it was a relief to return to his usual speaking voice once he had left the movie set each day.

Just when we were on set and in between takes I did the American accent. But not when we met up later, he explained. But it was for 12 hours a day and then when he would walk off set I would be like, Phew! Fantastic! I can speak normally again.

Its kind of amazing to work with film royalty and also when you start working with someone that goes so quickly because he was so nice. And its such a horrible thing to say, it such a clich, but he was really nice." (C) Cover Media