A Donegal man has become an unwitting extra in the latest Hollywood blockbuster movie.

James McColgan makes a cameo appearance in the new Adam Sandler movie, Uncut Gems although he only found out about his global film debut when a picture was published in the New York Times newspaper.

Released in the US last month, Uncut Gems goes out in Irish and European cinemas on January 10 and features one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, Adam Sandler, whose previous movies include The Wedding Singer, 50 First Dates and The Longest Yard among others.

Already receiving good reviews, Uncut Gems is a crime thriller directed by Josh and Benny Safdie. The plot centres on jeweller, Howard Ratner – played by Sandler – who is also a gambling addict. The story focuses on Ratner’s attempts to pay off loan sharks he has fallen foul off.

From Fahan in Inishowen, James was in New York in 2018 for a cousin’s wedding when he unknowingly was caught in a scene being filmed for the new movie. Walking along a Big Apple street, he was unaware that Sandler was walking just a few yards behind him and that the scene was being filmed to be included in the new blockbuster.

It only came to light when a still from the film accompanied a review in the New York Times last month. According to the Donegal Daily website, the picture was seen by family friend, Fionnuala Lyndsay from Iskaheen, Muff who contacted James’ sister, Rosie asking if the guy in the picture was her brother.

James, who now works in London, told the website he was a keen film buff and that Sandler was one of his particular favourites.

“Don’t think I’ll give up the day job just yet,” he said.