Patrick Stoner: It's sort of exciting sitting here, talking about not only a new film [THE PEACEMAKER] as we usually do, but also a new studio as well. 

George Clooney: It IS exciting, isn't it? How often does anyone get to do that? The first new studio in 40 years? The possibilities, the potential for so much ... it's very exciting -- for those of us who love films. 

Stoner: And you get to inaugurate the whole thing. That's quite a responsibility. 

Clooney: Yes, I get to destroy a whole studio just as it's being born. [smiles] I killed off the "Bat" franchise and now I'm moving on to bigger things. It's a big year for me. I leave death and destruction in my wake wherever I go. 

Stoner: I know. It's hard to be a star. [smiles] And speaking of which, Mimi Leder [the director] says she was working on ER when stardom descended upon you -- and she noticed there was no change from one day to the next. 

Clooney: Except in the way I treat the "little people." Oh, yes, I'm still the same humble guy I was then. By the way, who is this "Mimi" person? 

Stoner: [laughs] Well, she speaks well of you, in any event. She also seems to like this guy you play in THE PEACEMAKER. Do you? 

Clooney: Well, I like it that he's smarter than I am. No, I DO like him. He's the kind of guy who takes charge in a crisis, and he isn't afraid to break the rules. I think that there are people like that at the top of every organization, not just military or clandestine organizations -- even in business. There are people who know what needs to be done to get something accomplished, and they don't follow the same, safe paths that others have taken before them. They cut their own path, even if that means breaking the rules. That makes for an interesting character to play. 

Stoner: Of course, you're famous for breaking certain rules yourself -- like those of civility and good taste. [laughs] You're a famous practical joker, but Nicole Kidman said you didn't try anything on her. She also told me to tell you that she knew you didn't try because you were afraid of her. 

Clooney: Oh, did she now? DID she now? [smiles somewhat fiendishly] So, she's taunting me, is she? Well, may I just point something out? There's a premiere coming, isn't there? She's going to have to go to that premiere, isn't she? I'M going to be at that premiere, aren't I? Well, let me tell you, her time is coming. [laughs somewhat ominously] Oh, yes, her time IS coming -- at the premiere. Keep an eye open. 

Stoner: [laughs] Poor Nicole!