The X-Files is perhaps one of the most influential sci-fi shows of all time. Scully and Mulder’s investigations of the strange and unexplained still resonate with viewers and inspired future shows like Lost, Fringe, and Supernatural. Of course, we got a short-lived The X-Files revival with original stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson a few years ago. But that, too, is now a part of television history. And now, it seems we are once again exploring to see if the truth is still out there with a reboot of The X-Files led by none other than director Ryan Coogler.
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Gillian Anderson Open to Appearing on Ryan Coogler’s New X-Files Series
In an exciting turn of event X-Files star Gillian Anderson might be willing to return as Scully in Ryan Coogler’s new X-Files series. Anderson revealed, “It’s so funny because for most of my life, since I have finished The X-Files, every interview I do, people have asked and the answer has always been, ‘Nope, not going to happen, not going to happen.’ Now, Ryan Coogler, who is the director of Black Panther — brilliant, brilliant director — has approached Chris Carter to say that he wants to do a take on it, and I cannot think of a better way around for a reboot to happen.”
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A promising start. Anderson continues, “Whether I am involved in it is a whole other thing. I’m not saying no. I think he’s really cool and I think if he did it, it would probably be done incredibly well. And maybe I’ll pop in for a little something something.”
Cue the exclamation points. We’re absolutely crossing our fingers that Anderson’s Scully will return for Coogler’s X-Files.
Chris Carter Blesses This Reboot
The X-Files original series creator Chris Carter appeared on CBC’s On the Coast radio show to talk about the show in March 2023. During that interview, Carter revealed that he’d spoken with Ryan Coogler, who plans to reboot (or, as Carter says, “remount”) The X-Files with a diverse cast. He didn’t get into any more specifics, but he doesn’t have to. The thought of a supernatural investigative series led by a diverse cast is all we need to hear. Personally, my vote is for Mamoudou Athie and Nicole Beharie to be Mulder and Scully, respectively. And, Ryan Coogler is already a modern legend with the Black Panther and Creed franchises under his belt, so he can surely bring something incredible to The X-Files.
Carter also recently shared that Coogler had his blessing to reboot the series. He noted to The Wrap, “They don’t need my blessing. 20th Century Fox and Disney owns the show. They are free to do with it what they believe. I’m honored that they came to me and asked me, not for my permission, but my blessing.” And additionally shared, “I’ve had a conversation with him [Coogler]. Yes, he likes to go with a diverse cast. And he’s got some good ideas.”
What Do We Know About Ryan Coogler’s X-Files Series?
Although we haven’t heard much about Coogler’s X-Files series since March, recently, it popped up on our radars again. According to a report from Bloomberg, Disney continues to work on developing the series as of December 2023. We want to believe that this series is coming soon.
Originally published on March 28, 2023.