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The 5th Annual Christmas Q&A.
Amanda Stosz, New York City, NY: I've been able to get a lot of reading done lately in order to entertain myself during all the time I spend riding and waiting for the subway and trains, and I was really looking forward to reading yours. Since your book has been delayed a year (understandably of course), do you have any reading suggestions (a few or several) to tie us over until your book comes out?
Well it's Christmas, so I would suggest reading the unabridged version of A Christmas Carol. It's an extremely well known story but the constant retelling has simplified Charles Dickens' original story. The text as he wrote it is incredibly rich and detailed and well worth a look. May be my favorite book ever.
Becca, Lapel Indiana USA: College is such a great time to learn about and grow into yourself. What is a cool insight you gained about yourself while at Bristol?
You can survive on Marmite on toast and pasties for long periods and Thunderbird wine gets you drunk in a matter of minutes.
Beemer: It's fun following you on Twitter, and you're clearly having fun with it, too. How much does Twittering feel like performance? Do you think about the fact that 100,000+(!) people will see whatever you say there, or do you only worry about the fact that one of those people is your Mum?
I resisted Twitter for a long time but quite enjoy it now I have started. I am aware that whatever I tweet will be scrutinized. What's strange is when comments are repeated in the media or on other blogs. It's easy to forget that Twitter is not as intimate as it might at times feel.
Beverley Matthews, West Mids England: Music is very important to you, are you a frustrated musician at heart and if you are what would your band be called?
I've been in a few bands. My favorite was The Bill Bailey Experiment which formed and disbanded in New Zealand in 1997. We did one gig. 10 punk classics including Sedated by the Ramones and Should I Stay Or Should I Go by The Clash. At the end, I threw my sticks into the crowd which was very rock and roll but later fretted that I might have blinded someone, which wasn't.
Chris Boehm, Pittsburgh: How do you feel about film (the material) with all the advances in digital video that are taking place? Will the aesthetic of video ever catch up with film?
It's doing a very good job of imitating it now. So much so that the majority of people would not be able to tell the difference. I think film still retains a quality that digital cannot replicate. simply because it would have underachieve. Digital strives to be crystal clear whereas film has a complex clarity all of its own. It's less than perfect but that's what makes it beautiful.
Cooper Olive, Florida: In the series spaced you opened up peoples eyes to the world of imaginary gun fights between grown men. When was the last time that you can honestly say you partook in this timeless act of brotherhood?
At The Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas. We screened a Spaced marathon as part of the DVD press tour. We opened up on the audience I they returned fire, blowing myself and Edgar away. I think it's on YouTube.
The Daily Blowhole Blog, Pennsylvania: What is your favorite cheese?
Stilton. Hands down.
Daniel (sk8r Dan), Guyana, South America: I am an obsessive freak for art and skateboarding and I want to know if you find them both interesting or did you just do it for the character Tim.
I do. Tim was the artist and skater I wanted to be but sadly am not due to lack of dexterity and skill in both areas.
Deanna, Santa Monica, CA: Was there a gift you desperately, desperately wanted from Santa as a kid you never received? And, when you were an adult, did you get it for yerself? Nothing has ever been sweeter than the easy bake oven I got myself when I was 25... *sigh*
I wanted a BMX bike as a kid. A red and white Kuwahara, to be precise. I did get one in the end but apparently Derren Brown made me want it. Whether or not he did ... the truth is out there.
Give my love to Stassi Lane, just off Entrada Drive on the way down to West Channel. It was my daughter's first home. I miss Santa Monica.
Gen: If you could star in a movie adaptation of any comic book superhero of your choice, which character would you choose & why?
Huurrmmm ... I think perhaps Night Raven. He was an early Alan Moore character, a little like Rorshach. He wore a mac and a mask. That way I could stay in my trailer and play video games during all the big stunt sequences and still look good.
Geoi: Simon, would you ever like to run a real marathon? What charity would you like to run for if you did eventually do one?
No but if I did it would probably be for Multiple Sclerosis. Nice to see you in ABQ this year.
George Wolynetz, New York City: Now that you've had the opportunity to work with such people as Steven Spielberg, George Romero, and soon John Landis; as I was born in Dec. 1969 and we undoubtedly share many of the same geek sensibilities and experiences growing up, how hard is it to not have a complete geek breakdown and mark out (pro wrestling term for huge positive reaction) when you finally meet these individuals responsible for so much entertainment and joy in our formative years?
It was actually easier than it was getting to the end of your question George (just kidding). You just play it cool and try not to make a twat of yourself. You generally wait until afterwards when you're on your own, at which point you jump up and down and laugh like a child before calling your mum. I almost crashed my car on the freeway after meeting Steven Spielberg.
Jay MacFadgen, Boston, MA: Simon, it's been years since Big Train, and it would be great to see you in sketch comedy again. Considering that you've got great projects and films coming up next year, do you foresee a guest spot as a host on Saturday Night Live in the future?
I would love to host SNL. I've watched the show being recorded a few times and have always really enjoyed it. I am friends with a few of the current cast and have met Lorne Michaels a couple of times. Perhaps when we're doing press for Paul, I'll get Bill Hader or Kristen Wiig to have a word with the boss. It would be an honor, that show is a national institution.
Jo, Canada: My question is, since you have been acting, what is the silliest thing you have had to dress up in/as ? I ask this because of the Christmas Special last year, and also because Big Train was so funny and silly.
Probably Britney Spears on The Sunday Night Project. I knew I'd have to do some silly stuff for that show but resistance would be futile. Just Lee Collins and Alan Carr are two of the nicest people you could meet, so I didn't want to let them down. Besides, I look good in fishnets.
Kevin Garcia (Philippines): If there would be a "Limited Edition Simon Pegg Flavoured Cornetto," what would be the main ingredient?
Sex.
Kimberly J. Gibson, Miami Beach, FL: What is it like working with Stephen Spielberg while filming “Tintin”?
Amazing. He is a great guy and very willing to talk about past projects. He told Nick and I some great stories about Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Raiders of the Lost Ark, he's a very hands on director which as an actor is always wonderful. At one point, he demonstrated to Andy Serkis how Captain Haddock should roughhouse my Inspector Thompson, I was so excited to be beaten up by the greatest director in the world.
Leah V., Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada: Since having a child have any of your views of the world or specific things/topics changed?
I'm less averse to being sick, pooped, peed and dribbled on
Lisa Moore: Often times an actor will be compared to any previous actor who played the same role, especially if that actor was beloved by his or her fans. In your case, this applies. Was there any aspect of comparisons to Jimmy Doohan that annoyed you? Any that made you proud to be following in his footsteps?
I am very proud to be following in the footsteps of James Doohan, as an actor he created one of the most iconic characters in science fiction. I would be lucky to be compared to him. I've become good friends with his son Chris, and although I endeavored not to impersonate his dad I tried to keep the spirit of what James created alive. If anyone says "You're not as good as the original Scotty" I would hold my hands up and say "Of course I'm not!"
Martin Kogan, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Are there any actors not that well known that have influenced you?
Vlad Peterson, Christofe Benz, The Hammer, The Petertit Twins, Karen, Fatty Blumquvist, Bootsy Coldwell and the Bensons, The Fat Controller, Rudolph Cock, Fanny Black, Sue Porter, Malcolm Christ, David Hoot, David Hooot, David Hoooot and Gill Pegg
Megan H, US: I know there are a lot of actors that hate watching themselves in the movies they’re in… but since you also write and create films, are you more comfortable watching yourself on the big screen?
Sometimes. I find it easier to watch a film I am in if I have written it because my concerns aren't simply about my performance. I have been sitting in on the Paul edit with Greg Mottola and Chris Dickens for the last few weeks and in that situation, you see the film and not yourself. I generally feel more comfortable watching my films if I'm on my own. I get nervous and uncomfortable if there are other people watching too because I am too conscious of their reactions.
Mutt Duncan: Giving the finger preference: American middle or British two finger backhand?
The British two fingered salute is a favorite of mine because of its historical significance. At the Battle of Agincourt the French threatened to cut of the British archers' bow fingers when they won. They didn't and as an act of victorious defiance the British archers held up there two fingers as if to say "ha ha ha fuck off".
Phil Davies, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: Being a fellow man from the shire, the references in the movies you’ve made are truly brilliant. Has it ever crossed your mind about shooting a movie in Cheltenham/Gloucester?
Well Hot Fuzz was set in Gloucestershire. We explored various locations in the area but settled on Wells in Somerset, since we had unconsciously written it for that particular town in the same way we unconsciously wrote Shaun Of The Dead for Crouch End.
Rachel Winter (Profpieface), Greek St bin, Soho, London, England: Now you're a parent, what kinds of things do you hope for for your daughter? Luckily she won't need to chose between wealth or happiness, so apart from good health any dreams for her future? ie she was born in the US so could (!) be president one day. Or, would you dread/secretly hope for the day when she announces "I want to go into acting"!
As long as she is happy, I will be happy.
Sam Clements, London: 2009 sounds like it's been one helluva year for you, what are you most looking forward to in 2010?
Well for starters, it's the sequel to 2001!
Sarah, Melbourne Australia: Which toys/books/films are you excited about sharing with baby Pegg as she grows up?
The things that inspired me I guess. You know the stuff I mean. You guys know me well enough.
Sarah5636, UK: How much of the PAUL script is based on real life experiences/stories?
Surprisingly quite a bit. We went on a research trip at the beginning of 2007 and a lot of our experiences were fed into the script. Obviously not the whole alien thing.
Slick: In light of his passing today, I thought I'd ask an Edward Woodward related question. Who would win in a fight: Callan or The Equalizer?
It would be a fight that went on forever. I couldn't call it.
Stacie Taylor, Mobile, AL USA: I've noticed, mainly through DVD commentaries, that you're both incredibly well-read and cultured, but also a massive geek. Would you say they work together or one side is more developed?
I'd like to think those things are in no way mutually exclusive. Popular culture is no less valid, just because it isn't high art. To be truly culturally aware, you have to be aware of both.
Timothy Nicley: Will you and Nick be doing any touring for Paul, as you did with Fuzz, and Spaced?
I'm sure our press duties will be heavy. Paul is a much bigger film than Shaun or Hot Fuzz so Universal will be asking us to push it hard which we will of course be very happy to do. We always really enjoy our US press tours as you may have noticed if you watched the Fuzzball Rally on the Hot Fuzz DVD which you must have done. In fact you're probably in it.
Tina, Texas: Simon, you have been absolutely correct in saying that Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix has been an amazing album from the past year. There is not a weak song on the whole cd. Are there any other albums from the past year or so that you would recommend as being fantastic from start to finish?
Well it didn't come out this year but I still regularly enjoy Radiohead's In Rainbows. Bloody brilliant.
Thanks everyone. Hope you all enjoy the holiday season and that all your seasonal wishes come true. Much love and respect to you all and don't forget to show your love and admiration for our generous hostess, as always, the legend that is Ms. Harmony Carrigan.
Simon.xxx
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but great questions from the others! 
This should be kept going! Great work, Harmony!
