Director Ryan Coogler is bringing the classic 1990s TV series The X-Files back to the small screen in a reboot with a diverse cast.
Debuting in 1993, The X-Files follows FBI agents Scully and Mulder as they investigate the strangest and most unusual cases the Bureau can find. Mixing thrilling paranormal stories with a twisting plot about government conspiracies, The X-Files became one of the cultural institutions of 1990s TV and continues to have a strong fan base over three decades later.
The X-Files ran for nine seasons and even jumped to the big screen with the 1998 film of the same name. However, seasons 8 and 9 disappointed longtime fans, since David Duchovny’s Agent Mulder left after season 7, and Gillian Anderson’s Agent Scully followed suit after season 8.
Through a myriad of spinoffs, comic books, and various other forms of media, The X-Files lived on even after it was canceled. A two-season revival in 2016 brought the classic characters back, but now Black Panther director Ryan Coogler has an all-new vision for the franchise.
The X-Files Reboot Is Confirmed
Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) point their guns up toward the sky in The X-Files
The reboot of The X-Files was announced in 2023, and the announcement came from an unexpected source. Original series creator Chris Carter let the cat out of the bag while being interviewed on a podcast, which spurred Disney and Coogler to acknowledge that a reboot of the classic ’90s show was in the works.
Early news around the series revealed that it will continue director Ryan Coogler’s trend of featuring a diverse cast, something the original series lacked. The series is envisioned as a reboot, which means it will likely not be a continuation of the Mulder and Scully universe, but instead offer a totally fresh start to The X-Files.
Who Is Making The X-Files Reboot?
Though a reboot of The X-Files is an exciting prospect on its own, the project was announced with acclaimed director Ryan Coogler attached to helm. Coogler is perhaps best remembered for directing the MCU film Black Pantherand its blockbuster sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. However, Coogler also helped launch the ever-popular Creed series when he directed and penned the eponymous first film.
No other names are currently linked to the project, and original series creator Chris Carter is not involved. It can be assumed that Coogler will also write portions of the series since he is a prolific writer/director.
The X-Files Reboot Latest News
Nearly a year after the project was accidentally announced, Chris Carter gave The X-Files reboot his blessing. Carter is the creator of the original series, and he was the one who accidentally revealed that Ryan Coogler was working on the reboot in mid-2023.
Carter expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I’ve had a conversation with him. Yes, he likes to go with a diverse cast. And he’s got some good ideas.” Carter also stressed that he isn’t involved with the new reboot.
In 2025, Coolger revealed that he would work on the X-Files reboot before turning his attention to Black Panther 3, suggesting that this project is all the closer to becoming a reality. Furthermore, the director and filmmaker announced that, if he does his job right, the new series “will be really f*cking scary.”
Recently, rumors around the X-Files reboot suggest that Danielle Deadwyler is in talks to play a prominent role in the new series. This actor is known for projects like The Woman in the Yard, 40 Acres, and Till, among many others.
Also in 2025, actor Rober Patrick weighed in on what he would like to see with his The X-Files character if he were invited to return. Although the “reboot” status suggests that Coolger’s series won’t be a sequel and therefore won’t continue any established story, Patrick is eager to participate if it makes sense for the project. See Patrick’s full comment with ScreenRant below:
ScreenRant: Very final question, before I let you go, I love John Doggett in The X-Files.
Robert Patrick: That is my favorite character of all time!
ScreenRant: I’ve even written about him on the site, because I love him so much. They’re working on a new version. I know you’d be game to come back. But what’s something you would like to see if they do invite you to come back as John?
Robert Patrick: It’d interesting to see what’s happened to him in the elapsed time in between him being there and wherever they pick up. They’ve never had me back before, because of my schedule. I’ve always been too busy. But that’s the character that’s most dear to my heart, and what I loved about him was he was a very strong, tough guy, but had a heart of gold. That’s why he’s so dear to me.
The X-Files Reboot Cast Details
Mulder and Scully in a forest in X-Files Detour
Currently, there is no indication that any original X-Files stars will return for Coolger’s reboot. However, as stated above, Robert Patrick has expressed his enthusiasm to return if invited. This would likely take the form of a cameo appearance rather than a more literal return to the character of John Doggett.
It’s rumored that Danielle Deadwyler is being considered to play a lead investigator in the new The X-Files. Deadwyler’s character is reportedly paired with a male character, whose name or potential casting is currently unknown. Though there is no definitive confirmation that Deadwyler is in talks for the female lead, Coolger’s tease that he is turning his attention to The X-Files suggests that casting would be a current focus.
0 Comments