Justin Theroux said that his decision to join TV drama series The Leftovers was a "gut instinct".
The actor and screenwriter told Marie Claire that it wasn't a strategic plan to distance himself from his comedy involvement with films like Tropic Thunder and Rock Of Ages.
He said: "The show was just so well written, frankly. I always follow my gut. I learned early on that whenever I've taken someone's advice and not trusted my gut, it's put me in a miserable place."
The show is set three years after 2% of the world's population disappeared with no explanation. It also stars Liv Tyler, Christopher Eccleston and Amy Brenneman.
Lost's Damon Lindelof created the series which is based on the Tom Perrotta novel.
Theroux, who plays police chief Kevin Garvey in the HBO series, also spoke about his friendships with members of the cast and crew.
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"Your circle grows larger as life rolls along," he continued. "And because of the carny [nomadic] lifestyle of working on a show, there's 30 more people I adore - cast, crew members, camera men - who I didn't know before.
"The tent goes up, then the tent comes down and you're off to the next town. But hopefully you get to see those people again."
The Leftovers airs on Sky Atlantic on Tuesdays at 9pm.
Watch a trailer for the show below:
