We have obtained interesting casting news about the upcoming X-Files standalone film. It appears Xzibit, Amanda Peet and Billy Connolly have been added to the mix. We get the scoop today from The Hollywood Reporter via comingsoon:
Rapper Xzibit, Amanda Peet and Billy Connolly have signed on for director Chris Carter’s The X Files 2 at 20th Century Fox.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Xzibit and Peet will play fellow FBI agents to David Duchovny’s Mulder and Gillian Anderson’s Scully in the supernatural thriller with a stand-alone story, not a sequel or continuation of the hit 1998 feature adaptation. Carter and Frank Spotnitz wrote the screenplay, and production is expected to begin this month in Vancouver. The film is set to hit theaters on July 25.
I thought the last X-Files film was alright. I did not follow the television show, but enjoyed it when I had the chance to watch an episode. I do think Mulder and Scully are quality characters and I am glad to see them back in action. In my humble opinion, I think it is wise to have this film stand on its own. With no obligation to continue where the last film left off, you have a clean slate for creativity in a world with immeasurable paranormal and alien options
Billy Connolly is absolutely hilarious and I always consider his presence a treat. He has some fantastic quotes that you should google when you have a moment. One of my favorites is “Fame is being asked to sign your autograph on the back of cigarette packet.” Amanda Peet is also a welcome addition; but I am wary about too many “FBI” characters in the film.
The inclusion of Xzibit has me raising my eyebrow a little bit. I have nothing against the man, but this is not a movie where I expected the dude from Pimp My Ride to show up. Musicians as actors is usually a horrible idea, but not always. Ice T was awesome in New Jack City. The scene where he puts a gun to Wesley Snipes and says “I want to kill you so bad my dick is hard” is the stuff of movie legend. So although I am skeptical – I will try and keep an open mind. I am pumped about all the other casting decisions so I will have to give them the benefit of the doubt. What do you guys think about the casting news?
