March 24 2000: Confirmed Cast List:

Gillian Anderson as Agent Dana Scully
David Duchovny as Agent Fox Mulder
Garry Shandling as Fake Mulder
Tea Leoni as Fake Scully
Mitch Pileggi as AD Skinner
Tony Amendola as Cigarette Smoking Pontiff
Wayne Federman as himself
Harris Yulin as Cardinal Augustine O'Fallon
Paul Lieber as Micah Hoffman
Bill Dow as Chuck Burks
Barry K. Thomas as Sugar Bear
Daniel Duchovny as Director
Tim Roe as Zombie
Tina M. Ameduri as Tina (Craft Service Woman)

March 2 2000: Credits:

Written By:

David Duchovny

Directed By:

David Duchovny

Air Date: April 30 2000

April 26 2000: From TV Guide:

"David Duchovny wrote and directed this rather whimsical tale, which opens with a close encounter between Scully and Mulder - as portrayed by Tea Leoni and Gary Shandling on the silver screen. The story that leads to the movie is revealed in a flashback, starting with Skinner allowing a screenwriter pal (Wayne Federman) to observe Mulder's investigation of a pipe-bomb explosion in a church crypt. There they find a body of a '60's counterculture icon who disappeared in the early '70's. A visit to the victim's house reveals evidence that he may have inadvertently died by his own hand, one very adept at forgery. But the why remains."

"When this dark series is funny, it's funnier than most sitcoms. David Duchovny wrote and directed this episode, with his friend Gary Shandling and his wife, Tea Leoni, cast as actors playing Mulder and Scully in an FBI flick. There are Hollywood send-ups galore: cell-phone jokes, tofu jokes and jokes about really bad movies. Meanwhile, in the real world, our duo tracks a holy relic, and religion gets the once-over. Scully's diagnosis: 'Maybe true faith is really a form of insanity.' Maybe, but faith in this brilliant show is a sign of good judgment. My Score: 9"

"We now come to that point in the natural life of The X-Files that most long-lived TV series must eventually face: when the characters themselves go on television. When The Odd Couple did it, the result was the classic Password episode. Seinfeld dealt masterfully with its midlife crisis by devising a near-knockoff of itself, called 'Jerry,' with understudies for George, Elaine and Kramer.

On Sunday's episode of The X-Files, series [star David Duchovny] casts a funhouse mirror on the show's real-life backstories, including David Duchovny's rumored departure, by introducing a Hollywood filmmaker who comes to D.C. to research a movie based on the lives of Mulder and Scully. Don't miss the opening scene, which fast-forwards to the premiere of the film, with Tea Leoni (aka Mrs. David Duchovny) and Garry Shandling (!) as the leads. And that's just for starters as the episode also squeezes in references to dreckmaker Ed Wood, to losing faith in the 1960s, and to heretical scriptures so blasphemous that it drives good men to evil deeds. There are also choice lines like this one, from the blowhard director shadowing Mulder and Scully: 'I like the way you guys work. No warrants, no permission, no research. You're like studio executives with guns.'"

April 19 2000: From An Official Fox Press Release:

"A Hollywood producer follows Agents Mulder and Scully during the course of a murder investigation as research for an upcoming movie, in which Garry Shandling portrays Mulder and Tea Leoni portrays Scully."

April 19 2000: From TV Guide Online:

"Tea Leoni and Garry Shandling have cameos as Skinner lets a screenwriter friend (Wayne Federman) observe Mulder investigating the death of a '60s counterculture icon from a pipe bomb in a church crypt."

April 18 2000: From An Official Fox Press Release:

"Series star David Duchovny writes and directs the 'Hollywood A.D.' episode, in which a Hollywood producer follows one of Mulder and Scully's cases as research for an upcoming movie featuring Tea Leoni as Scully and Garry Shandling as Mulder."

March 27 2000: From Victoria Nguyen:

"The Lazurus Bowl case involves Catholic cardinal Augustine O'Fallon and Micah Hoffman (a 60's radical who is adept at forging church documents, specifically something on a heretical text on Christ's life on Earth after the ressurection). There is a funny bathroom scene involving Mulder, Scully and Skinner in a bubble bath."

"Mulder and Scully find themselves portrayed on the big screen in 'Hollywood A.D.' David Duchovny writes and directs the episode that tentatively airs on 4/30. Garry Shandling and Teá Leoni guest star. Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, CNN, Fox and the AP wires will run interviews with David."

March 25 2000: From DC:

"The Hollywood producer/writer is Skinner's old college friend. His name is Federman. He follows Mulder and Scully around on the Lazarus Bowl case and basically annoys them."

From Little Star: "The time has come. Minnie [Driver] is definitely in the episode. As is Chris Carter. They are both guests at the movie premiere. How do I know this, you ask? I was there while they filmed it. You can see pictures from the set and find out other information about Hollywood A.D. here."

From Cynthia Johnston: "Dave's episode wrapped Wednesday, March 22, with an impressive second unit day featuring David, Gillian, Mitch, Gary, Tea, etc. Completion of the episode had been previously delayed by Gillian's illness. Cameos shot that day included Minnie Driver, David Alan Grier, and Chris Carter. Look for a clever bit with stand-in/photo double Steve [Kiziak]."

March 21 2000: From TV Guide Online:

"David Duchovny announced over the weekend that wife Téa Leoni will be featured in an April episode of The X-Files. The premise of the episode is that Skinner sells a story to Hollywood based on one of Mulder and Scully's cases; Leoni and Garry Shandling play Scully and Mulder in the 'Hollywood' version. 'It's [about] the difference between "reality" — TV reality, as opposed to Hollywood reality,' Duchovny tells TV Guide Online."

From an anonymous source comes this extensive list of Questions and Answers about "Hollywood A.D.":

Question: Can you tell us what Scully does at Mulder's apartment?
Answer: They just talk, but it's a cute conversation.
Question: You read the script haven't seen footage right? Just clarifying.
Answer: But to be honest, I really doubt CC's gonna have the nerve to change much of DD's script.
Question: In any of the script directions, does it mention the word gaze?
Answer: LOL! Ummm, not that I can remember.
Question: Is the case assigned to M&S? or one that M&S discover?
Answer: If I remember, it's assigned to them.
Question: How much of the script is spent on the actual X-File as opposed to the movie and M/S interaction (like the Scully can't sleep/goes to Mulder's apartment)?
Answer: About half maybe. Maybe a little more.
Question: What's M&S's first reaction to the actors on the set?
Do they see them the first time together?
Answer: To answer the second part first, yes. I think they're kinda bumfuzzled.
Question: This Lazarus Bowl…is that gonna make ANY sense?
Answer: It's kinda out there, but what isn't on TXF?
Question: Will Scully be wearing something other than black?
Answer: LOL. I have no idea.
Question: Does Skinner have an "equivalent" character or just M/S/CSM?
Answer: Just M/S/CSM in what we see of the movie, but yeah, he's supposed to have a character. We hear who is gonna play Skinner, but that's something I wanna save.
Question: Any food in the Lazarus bowl?
Answer: Sort of.
Question: You mentioned in-jokes in the script. Can you give us a hint about some of those, or better yet, examples?
Answer: There's one regarding Scully's high heels and her running in them.
Question: Do M/S make any realizations as they watch their movie counterparts?
Answer: I think they're too shocked to see what has been done to them and their work to be drawing great conclusions. I'll just say that Mulder has a reaction to what he sees on screen and the timing of his reaction is pretty telling, I thought.
Question: Any subtle jokes about Mulder looking a lot like Tea's husband?
Answer: Not about him looking. There's a little joke about Tea and Mulder, but also one about Gary and Mulder.
Question: Anything that has a "fun at his own expense" twinge to it by DD?
Answer: Yup, a couple of things.
Question: Any remarks about Screen/Scully being too tall? Or is that the high heel reference?
Answer: No and no. Screen/Scully is mostly concerned with running in those things.
Question: Is there any interaction between GS&TL as actors and M&S? Like, does TL (as the actress playing Scully) talk to Mulder outside the movie?
Answer: Yes, but GS is the one who talks to Mulder. TL is with Scully.
Question: Can you give us any GS/M dialogue without spoiling too much?
Answer: Well, GS is asking Mulder questions about a wardrobe situation.
Question: His bad ties maybe?
Answer: Have to wait for that one.
Question: Is there any dialogue about Screen/Scully's "huge" cross necklace?
Answer: Nope.
Question: Is CSM in it or just represented on screen?
Answer: Just on screen.
Question: Any cell phone interplay?
Answer: Oooo, yes. There are a couple or three cell phone conversations, but one in particular is fun.
Question: Tell us (anon's name)
Answer: I don't wanna spoil that one sorry. But as long as it's kept in there, people will love it.
Question: Do M&S watch the movie at a special test site, or do they go to the theatre?
Answer: Theatre.
Question: Does Screen/Scully get to say, "Mulder, it's me?"
Answer: I don't think so. I'm sorry. I was wrong. She does say it at least once.
Question: Does Screen/Mulder like porn?
Answer: We're never given an indication of that. Question: Any flashlight worthy scenes? Or mostly daytime stuff?
Answer: Flashlights are used yes.
Question: Skinner gave out the info for the movie, right? Does this seem out of character to anyone else?
Answer: I'll say that the only negative thing about the script for me was the Skinner characterization, but it was all so funny, I didn't care.
Question: The TL/GS kiss. Is it a mirror of the hallway scene? What context is it in?
Answer: It's not a mirror of the hallway scene.
Question: Does the script say what Mulder answers the door in when Scully visits in the middle of the night?
Answer: No, but he was lying on his couch.
Question: On the real investigation, is there a location given?
Answer: I think it's there in DC. Don't remember for sure.
Question: Is there a fake CSM?
Answer: Yup.
Question: Would we recognize him?
Answer: I think so, I mean you'll know who he supposed to be.
Question: Is Chuck in only one scene?
Answer: Two scenes.
Question: Do we see any of the case or are we just told?
Answer: Oh, we see it. The real one, I mean. (I was getting really tired at this point so my level of accuracy starts falling off dramatically)
Question: So there are sort of flashbacks?
Answer: Most of the ep is in the past and the case is in the past. The beginning and the end is in the present.
Question: (I don't know what this was an answer to but I just couldn't leave it out)
Answer: Which keeps my "they're already doing it" theory very much intact.
Question: Like Rain King, there is not a real time reference, I assume.
Answer: No there's not, but I think it's implied the beginning and end are fairly current.
Question: Do we get any indication that Scully is reluctant to investigate the real case?
Answer: None at all.
Question: Any new pet names in this one?
Answer: Yes, actually. Something Mulder calls Scully.
Question: And?
Answer: It's Sister Spooky.
Question: He better not think of her as a sister.
Answer: He doesn't. It has a different connotation and connects to a story she tells him. She has her own paranormal experiences She and Mulder still have a bit of a different interpretation at the end though.
Question: Any more whispers into her ears?
Answer: Don't think there's any whispering.
Question: I've decided DD is the ultimate shipper. (something else-can't read my writing)
Answer: I came away from it more sure than ever that DD was a romantic and can handle the "ship" just fine.
Question: ?
Answer: There is a joke about Scully and Skinner. It was funny though and I loved M&S's reactions. Actually Scully is the one who made the joke. My impression was "well, that sure puts a damper on all the Skinner/Scully fans."
Question: Did you say you have DD's script?
Answer: I've read it, yes..I can't give out specific spoilers just yet, but any doubts I ever had were erased. It was very funny from beginning to end -- *especially* the beginning and end. *g* As a Scullyist and shipper, I was pleased. Thought GS and TL being in the ep was handled the best way it possibly could be. I'm looking forward to it very much.
Question: Can you tell us how much of the episode has Tea and Gary. Are they in it a majority of the time or just a little?
Answer: Not much -- couple of scenes.
Question: How much Skinner is there?
Answer: Fair to middlin' amount. *g* More than usual.
Question: Does he say "ass", and are there any cute Sk/Sc and/or M/Sk scenes?
Answer: I don't remember him saying it, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. And I'm *really* not the best one to ask about cute Skinner scenes. *g* There were several funny scenes between them all.
Question: I hate to push it but could you describe a funny scene or two please?
Answer: Well, in the teaser Skinner is described as "beaming from ear to ear" and then "shrugging innocently."
Question: Is the shippiest part you mention is shown by the reaction of real Mulder and Scully toward the fake one (the movie)? Or it's what TL and GS has in their parts that made it so shippy to you?
Answer: I found shippy things throughout, but that's *me*. I can't say for everyone. And you shouldn't miss the GS/TL scenes. You'll miss some funny stuff.
Question: Do the real M&S have any scenes together?
Answer: Most of the time the real M&S are on screen, they're together. And they're on screen plenty.
Question: Could ya tell us about the 'shippiness?
Answer: Umm.... shippiness is really in the eye of the beholder, so since I don't want to be too specific, it's hard to say, but after reading it, I thought to myself how much of a romantic DD is.
Question: How do M&S react to the GS and TL kiss?
Answer: That's one I'm going to abstain from answering.
Question: Do the real M&S get to see their screen person do they have funny, weird reactions to them. Do they like them, hate them, etc?
Answer: They meet them, yes. I think they're kinda shocked. *g* Question: There was some dialogue posted a few weeks/months ago that went something like this: SCULLY: *something something* Lazarus bowl. CHUCK: I can see why Mulder digs you. Is this in the script? And if so, can you tell us if it's the REAL Scully or the faux Scully?
Answer: It's there. Real Scully
Question: So, are the real M&S working on a case at the same time the movie is being filmed about them? Are the real case and the movie case the same X-File?
Answer: Not at the same time, no. The teaser and the end is the present, and then we go backwards in time. And yes, the case is *roughly* the same.
Question: Is the scene TL and GS in at the beginning and end?
Answer: Yes, but The scene at the beginning and the end is the same one, sorta. There's another toward the end.
Question: Are the real Mulder and Scully in the beginning and end scene? I really thought that it's shippy because real Mulder and Scully are in it.
Answer: Yes, they are This shipper was very happy. Though take that as you will... I don't seem to be like most shippers anymore.
Question: How does the ship compare to Unnatural ship?
Answer: Not quite as physical at least in the script. Who knows what DD and GA might add to it?
Question: So if I may ask, will "all" XF fans be pleased with the ep, in your opinion, I mean shippers & noromos alike?
Answer: I'm pretty sure it won't be universally loved, but then eps rarely are anymore.
Question: Do the real Mulder and Scully have more screen time compared to the fake one?
Answer: Oh, they have *lots* more screen time.

March 18 2000: From The Official X-Files Website:

"David Duchovny does double duty as writer and director on 'Hollywood A.D.' Garry Shandling and Teá Leoni guest star as the fictional Mulder and Scully in the movie version of their case. The episode tentatively airs on 4/30."

March 9 2000: From The Official X-File Web Site:

"David Duchovny does double duty as writer and director on 'Hollywood A.D.' The episode tentatively airs on 4/30."

March 3 2000: From Autumn:

"DD is on the cover of Movieline this month. In addition to saying his lawsuit against FOX has completely destroyed his personal relationship with Chris Carter and there is no way he will return for an 8th season he drops some spoilers for 'Hollywood A.D.' (BTW, this interview appears to have taken place while they were shooting 'FPS' as he is whining about "Gillian" having to save him from someone who has kicked his ass)."

"Turns out he wanted to cast Oliver Stone in the episode as a 'disaffected Yippie from the 60s who has taken to forging religious documents and extorting money from the church;' it goes on to say that by immersing himself in the life and culture of Jesus Christ he transforms himself into Jesus and there's a scene where Scully hallucinates him on a three foot cross."

February 28 2000: From ZEntertainment:

"Garry Shandling (What Planet Are You From?) and Tea Leoni (Deep Impact) will guest star on the April 30th episode of THE X-FILES, basically playing Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, respectively. In the episode, "Hollywood A.D.," Mulder and Scully visit the set of a feature film to consult for accuracy. David Duchovny, who once expressed his true love for Shandling on THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW, wrote and directed the episode."

February 26 2000: From Elwood Blues:

From "Bill Davis is in Episode 18 'Hollywood AD.' No word yet whether he has a big part or not."

February 25 2000: From Elwood Blues:

"Tea Leoni as Dana Scully, Gary Shandling as Fox Mulder... WHAT THE HECK? Skinner is in Hollywood, in the episode a movie is being made of The X-Files."

February 23 2000: From Daniel Wood:

"As far as I can tell, it's confirmed, from the head honcho at Fandom (I won't explain how it works, but this is fairly reliable). Garry Shandling WILL be in Hollywood A.D. As we know, the ep partially (at least) takes place in Hollywood ... where Shandling plays the role of none other than Agent Mulder."

"After seven seasons and a feature movie, with the future of the series uncertain, there is much speculation about how THE X-FILES might continue, especially if the stars decline to continue in their roles. Amid the speculation, there has been little consideration of whether other actors might step into the roles, yet the series itself is doing a jokey take on just that option, in a soon-to-be filmed episode featuring comedian Gary Shandling as Mulder and Duchovny’s real life wife as Scully."

"Like the real X-FILES film, the fictional one emphasizes the romance between Mulder and Scully."

February 22 2000: From The New York Post:

"David Duchovny and Garry Shandling -- who 'flirted' on HBO's Larry Sanders Show -- are carrying their relationship one step further."

"Shandling tells Pat O'Brien on tonight's 'Access Hollywood' that he'll star in an upcoming X-Files episode directed and written by Duchovny, who stars as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder opposite Gillian Anderson's Dana Scully.

"In the plot, a Hollywood studio is turning The X-Files into a big-screen movie, with Shandling playing Mulder and Tea Leoni (Duchovny's real-life wife) playing Scully."

"'He comes to see if I'm depicting him accurately,' Shandling says of Duchovny/Mulder. 'And in that X-Files episode, I make out with Tea Leoni. So I just end up having projects where I make out with my friends' wives.'"

January 27 2000: From The Official X-File Web Site:

"David Duchovny is writing and directing episode #18, entitled 'Hollywood A.D.,' which will tentatively air on 4/16."



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