I just don't think of myself as an actor much at all, so I don't lust after any particular roles.

Of course, I was completely enthralled by the space program as a kid - particularly Apollo 11 - and was glued to the television like most of the world. Then I stopped thinking about it too much. I was a little disappointed that they weren't going on to Mars at the time, but I didn't think much of it. I was more interested in becoming a director at that point in my life and falling in love, things like that.

You're always a little surprised when something really takes off.

I just don't think of myself as an actor much at all, so I don't lust after any particular roles.

I've acted with all types, I've directed all types. What you want to understand as a director, is what actors have to offer. They'll get at it however they get at it. If you can understand that, you can get your work done.

It was always hard to find stories that I felt were, in and of themselves, fresh enough and intriguing enough .

There's a very real argument that the minute we are capable of going to a planet, whether it's Mars or another one, and inhabiting it, that we really should.