After leaving The X-Files, why did you choose to make a comedy about aliens?

I knew Ivan Reitman slightly from working on "Beethoven" and I wanted to work in his style. The fact that the film was about aliens didn't occur to me. I didn't really think about The X-Files going into this. If I had, I probably wouldn't have done it.

There's a scene in "Evolution" where you moon to the camera. Was it in the script?

It was just impulsive. Like I'm gesturing with my hands now - it's the same thing, it just happened with my ass! We like to improvise, not because you think you're better than the script but because it sometimes freshens up a scene you've been doing a long time.

Like you, your wife Tea Leoni is in a big film this summer featuring creatures. Did you compare notes?

That part of the film is so not in the actor's hands. It's in the hands of Ivan and his design team. We're not exposed to the CGI process, nor would Tea be. We'd be more likely to discuss whatever acting problems we'd be having than, you know, what it feels like when a T-rex bites you. We compare more mundane things than worrying about special effects.

What's next in the pipeline?

I've been busy all year - I've been busy eight years, really - and I'm pretty much looking forward to going home, taking a breath, and figuring out what I want to do next.

Read an interview with "Evolution" director Ivan Reitman.

Read an interview co-star Orlando Jones.

Watch an interview with co-star Orlando Jones and director Ivan Reitman.