THE 'EVOLUTION' OF 'X'-TREME BUSY-NESS.

Byline: - Bob Strauss

When David Duchovny cut his deal to appear in a limited number of this season's ``X-Files'' episodes, he figured he'd have more time to relax.

Not the case, though, once he signed on to ``Evolution,'' ``Ghostbusters'' director Ivan Reitman's alien invasion farce.

``It didn't turn out to be leisurely at all,'' says Duchovny, who traded Fox Mulder's competence for a goofy, all-thumbs professor role in the special effects comedy. ``I started this movie in October and finished it the day before going back to shoot my last six 'X-Files' episodes. And whatever days I had off from 'Evolution' went toward my responsibilities on the show.''

Despite the punishing schedule and the desire he's had for years to get out of the television series grind, Duchovny admits that he has mixed feelings about his truncated, final ``X'' year.

``I guess I hadn't realized the sacrifice I would make, creatively, being away from the show,'' the actor admits. ``I missed it in the sense that you'd miss anything you had so much interest and time invested in. But I didn't miss it in the sense that I'd want to continue.''

Duchovny remains open to possible ``X-Files'' feature films in the future. Of course, if ``Evolution'' starts a franchise, double big-screen alien-fighting duty could turn into a greater burden than ever before.

Not if this experience was any indication, though.

``In terms of subject matter, there was a certain similarity,'' Duchovny acknowledges. ``But I really didn't think of one as a goof on whatever other work I do. It was just another job in another role that needs servicing of itself.''

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`EVOLUTION' (JUNE 8)

Orlando Jones, left, Seann William Scott and David Duchovny find themselves surrounded by dead alien creatures and have to figure out what killed them in ``Evolution.''