How important is it for you that this movie is bigger than the original?
I'm rumbling. I had "Independence Day" and "Men in Black" back to back. But now people are coming for me - so I got to go back and claim my throne. The movie is very funny so I think people will enjoy it.
How challenging was it to go back and do a sequel?
You know, the sequel's not really challenging to the actors. You come to work every day trying to do your best. It's not like there's 110% that you can give. Every film gets compared to your last film anyway so for me it's like every film is a sequel.
So what made you want to do it again?
You know, "Ali" was so far away from who I am, I adjusted my instincts so much for that film, I just wanted to be home, you know. So for me "MiB II" was almost like coming home. A family reunion, some place I felt comfortable doing comedy. The transition was a little bumpy but once Tommy Lee Jones got on the set, it smoothed out and it was great for me.
What's different about this one compared to the original?
I think this movie is actually funnier. The first film had a real element of surprise that I don't think we'd be able to recapture, just because it came out of nowhere. People had no idea what they were going into the theatre to see. They had never seen a film like this. But I think we definitely captured the comedy this time. Overall, I think this is a better film than the first one.
