Audio Journalism Platform Curio to Launch Original Series Featuring James McAvoy

Leading audio journalism platform Curio is launching a new original series on May 17th.

Retold promises to give listeners the chance to hear remarkable real-life stories, read by iconic stars.

In the first episode of the four-part series, acclaimed actor James McAvoy, known for his roles in X-MEN, Split, Atonement and The Last King of Scotland, tells the real-life story that inspired the film War Dogs, a 2016 film that follows the unlikely rise of teenagers Efraim Diviroli and David Packouz as they earn millions from the international arms trade during Iraq and Afghan wars.

The reading is taken from the article The Stoner Arms Dealers: How Two American Kids Became Big-Time Weapons Traders, written by Guy Lawson and first published by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2011. 

James McAvoy, BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated actor, said:

“The true story behind War Dogs is wilder than I thought. Reading the story of Gun Runners Efraim Diviroli and David Packouz’s unlikely rise to the top of the arms trade is so mind-blowing it's almost unbelievable. 

“The beauty of audio storytelling is that without the distraction of special effects and visuals, we’re forced to become fully immersed in the details and thread of the story. I hope you’ll enjoy getting into the murky details with me.”

Gastón Tourn, Curio’s Chief Marketing Officer, said:

“Curio’s mission is to give a space for busy people to enjoy exceptional journalism, at a time when commercially tuned algorithms and brands are fighting for our constant attention. High-quality, long-form investigative journalism has a significance which often extends long after it was first published so it felt important to launch this series of Retold, which brings together exceptional stories from the past retold by iconic voices. 

Working with McAvoy made a lot of sense for this launch. His experience getting into the mind of complex and at times sinister characters made him perfect to tell this story. His myriad of roles makes him a well-known and respected figure to a wide range of people, opening us up to a whole new segment of potential listeners.”

Curio is a leading audio journalism platform that curates and narrates news and content from leading publications from around the world, along with its original series. Previous Curio original series include sustainability-focused Planet for Tomorrow hosted by Gemma Styles and What Do I Know?!, written and hosted by Gillian Anderson. 

Episode one of Retold, The Stoner Arms Dealers: How Two American Kids Became Big-Time Weapons Traders, is told by James McAvoy and launches on Curio May 17th. Sign up for Curio’s seven-day free trial and access thousands of narrated articles and original series.

McAvoy is repped by United Agents, UTA, The Lede Company and Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern, LLP.