What's your favorite scene in Trainspotting 2 and why?
It's impossible to pick a favorite scene because they were all so amazing to play. But the final sequences where Jonny Lee Miller, Bobby Carlyle, Ewen Bremner and me are all together for the only time in the movie - that was brilliant.
Trainspotting is one of my favorite movies of all time, and I'm looking forward to the sequel! How different was the filming of the T2 from T1?
We had longer and we were able to shoot in Edinburgh where the story is set, so that city plays more of a character than it did in the first one. The feeling of being on set with Danny Boyle was as exciting now as it was then.
Got a favorite meal to cook at home?
Avocado with lemon and salt, and a boiled egg.
When playing Mark, did you ever feel the character hit close to home with someone you knew?
No, I try to think of who the character is from the inside out.
Hi Ewan.did you ever meet iggy pop.and if so is he as crazy as he seems?
Yes - I did meet him and he's as COOL as he seems.
Where was the best place you've visited on bike during your trips with Charley?
Mongolia is a very special place for me.
Hi Ewan! Any chance of a third installment of Long Way Round/Down? Huge fan of that show and it'd be great to see you and Charlie back on the road again.
No plans at the moment.
Do you ever miss Scotland and what was t like growing up there and also what is your favorite kind of motorcycle to ride?
I often miss Scotland - it was a wonderful place to grow up. I had a very rural countryside childhood and enjoyed independence from a very young age.
I am considering purchasing my first motorcycle. What bike would you recommend to a beginner with a modest budget?
Your learner motorcycle should be an un-powerful one like a 125cc. Your first proper bike should be a Triumph 650 or a Motoguzzi V7.
Brassed Off is one of my favorite films ever (along with Trainspotting of course), I love everyone in it, do you have any special memories from making that movie? Thanks Ewan!
Yes I loved working with Tara and I have very fond memories of Pete Postlethwaite.
If you weren't an actor, what job/industry would you have liked to have been in?
I can imagine being a sculptor.
How hard was it to recreate a character like you did in the first Trainspotting movie?
It wasn't hard. It seems like Renton's been sitting inside me for 20 years just waiting to come out again.
When was the last time you watched the original Trainspotting? Has your view of it changed at all over the past 21 years?
On my flight to Scotland to shoot the sequel.
Hi Ewan! You're one of my favorite actors, and I'm so excited to see you in the new season of Fargo. My question is this: what's your favorite book and why?
A favorite book of mine is called Jupiter's Travels by Ted Simon that inspired me to do the long motorcycle trips that I've done.
Hey Ewan! I saw an article from September that said you haven't been able to find time for riding motorcycles, has that changed since then? Also whats a dream bike you haven't been able to ride?
I'm not allowed to ride motorcycles while working for insurance reasons, but when I'm not working I ride every day.
Do you have any directorial advice?
Always rehearse the scene with the actors alone, and then show the crew.
What as it like directing your first feature film?
It was a life-changer. Amazing.
Ewan! You're almost unrecognizable in your makeup as one of the twins in Fargo season 3. That's crazy! What was that whole process like? Were you eager to tackle the role of the crime twins for Noah Hawley?
The brothers that I play in Fargo are not twins. The makeup is incredible.
Treat a fangirl - could you just say hi?
Hello!
can you recite the entire "choose life" monologue by heart?
Yes I learned it while walking around Arthur's Seat. I think I'll always remember that speech.
Have you ever met Louis CK?
Yeah I must've bumped into him somewhere!
Any thoughts on doing a Trainspotting 3? Loved the second one so I would love to see the characters again.
Who knows? We'd all be in our 60s.
How many takes did it take for you to remaster that sadistic smile you have after you roll off the car?
Got it in take 1. Not something I have to work at. :)
Yo man! I saw T2 last weekend and I fucking loved it! How was it to get back together?
It was the most amazing experience for us all to be back again working together.
How did it feel to make a film in your home country?
It's the 5th film I've made at home. I always love working in Scotland. I can visit my parents on the weekends.
How do you celebrate St Patrick's Day?
I don't.
Do you call it square sauasage or slice & do you prefer ketchup or broon sauce wi' it?
Sausage and brown sauce of course.
What was like to be part of the remake of such a memorable film like The Beauty and the Beast?
It was such fun to play such a charismatic character. Can't wait for you to see it.
Ewan, I absolutely ADORE your singing voice! Are you looking to do more musical films in the future? Heck, can we just get an album from you?
I'd love to - I love singing in drama. Recording music is such a huge joy.
Hi Mr. McGregor! HUGE FAN!!!! Can I ask, what is the best thing a director can do for you on set? Thanks :~)
Really watch what you're doing.
Was it hard to get back in character for T2? By the way loved it!!!
No - it was nerve-wracking but it came very easily.
Love your work! How were the rest of the T2 cast to work with again after 20 years? How much had they changed? How much had they stayed the same?
We were all the way I remember us then - except a little older and a little wiser.
What do you look for in a script?
A good story.
Hi Ewan!
Who were your favorite actors as a child?
Jimmy Stewart, David Nevin, Steve McQueen.
How was it working with Van and the rest of the lads from Catfish and the Bottlemen? Loved that video!
We had a great day in New York. I took them to my favorite punk store, Trash and Vaudeville and we had a laugh.
Have you given much thought to when you are going to start ageing?
You're 20 years older than me and I look like I could be your dad.
Edit: Seriously guys I was paying him a compliment. I don't look 65 and I'm not overweight.
Get some sleep.
do you have any plans for working with Kevin Mckidd again? would love to see you guys together in a play !
I would love that too. Kevin is a brilliant actor and he was missed on the set of T2.
What drew you to the first Trainspotting? And 20 years on, what made you come back for a sequel?
Irvine Welsh's Transpotting novel was the book of a generation in Scotland and I had to be in Transpotting. What made me come back the thrill of working with Danny Boyle again and seeing John Hodge's dialogue again and being with those actors again.
What do you prefer to play heroes or villains?
There are no heroes or villains in my book. Bad guys don't think they're bad guys.
Ewan, thank you for doing this AMA. I was watching Velvet Goldmine and really enjoyed your penis. How is it these days?
It's fine thanks, how's yours?
Was there anything you experienced as a director that changed your outlook as an actor? Thanks Ewan!
To be more sympathetic to directors.
What was the jump like from directing a short to directing a full film?
It was a very long jump, I shot my short in 1996 and my feature film in 2015.
Hey Ewan, I took a girlfriend to watch T2 after a Boyle/McGregor marathon and she broke up with me the next day. Can you tweet "WTF Claire?"
WTF Claire
Hi Ewan, what was for you the most moving scene to shoot in T2?
The scene in the Highlands where I read Spud's poem.
Can you share any interesting stories about making Shallow Grave? (Which was amazing, by the way.)
Shallow Grave was my first movie with Danny Boyle and being part of his first three movies gave me an identity as an actor that I'm still very proud of.