London 3/16/2011 2:30:00 PM
News / Entertainment

Simon Pegg unsure about Seth Rogen for Paul

Simon Pegg didn't have Seth Rogen in mind for alien movie 'Paul'.

The British actor - who stars opposite an extra-terrestrial voiced by Seth in the comedy road-trip film - originally wanted an older star for the role but was convinced by a studio someone younger might work better.

He said: "We had older actors in mind - somebody like Rip Torn.

"But when we were talking to the studio casting people, they were keen on people who were relevant to the comedy audience.

"When they said Seth, I realised that he was young, but he had an old voice. So it was a no-brainer. When I see the movie, I forget that Seth is even in it."

Simon - who is best known for movies including 'Star Trek' and 'Shaun of the Dead - also reveals it was originally planned for the titular-titled alien to have more of a "dog-like" name.

He told HollywoodandFine.com: "The name had to be ordinary, though we also thought about coming up with a name that was more doglike".