Connolly to appear in 'X-Files' movie

Billy Connolly has signed to appear in the second X-Files movie.

The Scottish comedian will join rapper Xzibit and Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip star Amanda Peet in the film version of the hit sci-fi TV show, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Fox would not release details of the trio's roles, but Xzibit and Peet are rumoured to be playing FBI agents working with Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson).

The movie, directed by series creator Chris Carter, is a stand-alone feature rather than a sequel to the first X-Files film, released in 1998.

Connolly previously starred in Mrs Brown, Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Last Samurai, while Xzibit appeared in 8 Mile and MTV's Pimp My Ride.

Shooting on the movie will begin In Vancouver later this month. It is scheduled for release on July 25, 2008.