The X-Files: Reboot by "Sinners" and "Black Panther" Director Ryan Coogler in the Works
Coogler has already spoken with Scully actress Gillian Anderson
Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" is currently causing a sensation, but the director's next project is already in the starting blocks. As the industry portal Deadline reports, Coogler's next project will be a reboot of a true cult series: "The X-Files"!
The iconic mystery and sci-fi series from the 90s follows FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), who investigate unsolved and often supernatural cases together. There were originally nine seasons of "The X-Files" before the series was continued with two more seasons a few years ago. There have been a total of 218 episodes and the two films "The X-Files" and "The X-Files: I Want to Believe".
Gillian Anderson in the "X-Files" reboot?
Ryan Coogler spoke about some details regarding the reboot in the podcast Last Podcast on the Left. Many fans of the original will be particularly interested to hear that the director has spoken to Scully actress Gillian Anderson. Although he did not confirm that Anderson will be involved, it seems entirely possible. The actress recently announced that she could at least imagine being back in front of the camera as Dana Scully. Whether as a leading character or just in a guest role, she initially left open.
Coogler also spoke about his great excitement. Some of the episodes are supposed to be particularly scary. With the reboot, he wants to pick up fans of the original series as well as get new fans excited about "The X-Files".
Ryan Coogler
Coogler is best known for the "Rocky" sequel "Creed" and the Marvel films "Black Panther" and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever". His latest film "Sinners" is currently showing in cinemas and is generating a great deal of enthusiasm. The vampire horror film starring Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld is a real surprise success. "Sinners" has impressed critics, genre fans and box office audiences alike. It is still uncertain when we can expect the reboot of "The X-Files". But at least we now know that the series is Coogler's next project.
The X-Files: a look back at the classic
There are fewer series that shaped the series landscape of the 90s as much as "The X-Files". With its unique blend of conspiracy theory, sci-fi, horror and mystery, the series became a worldwide phenomenon. Over a quarter of a century after its launch, "The X-Files" still has a loyal fan base – and is still a talking point today.
The X-Files
The series started in 1993 on FOX. It centers on FBI agents Fox Mulder, a fervent advocate of paranormal phenomena, and Dana Scully, a skeptic who is originally employed to disprove Mulder's work. But the deeper they delve into the so-called "X-Files" together, the clearer it becomes: The world is not as rational as it seems.
"The X-Files" built a bridge between eerie individual episodes – so-called "monster-of-the-week" episodes – and an increasingly complex main mythology surrounding alien abductions, government conspiracies and a planned invasion. It was the chemistry between Scully and Mulder that made the series particularly extraordinary.
The movies
Two films were made between the seasons: "The X-Files" was released in 1998. This film followed on from the series storyline and bridged the gap between seasons 5 and 6. It provided new insights into the mythology and consolidated the cult status of the series worldwide. 2008 saw the release of "The X-Files: I Want to Believe". The second film was released six years after the end of the series, but told a rather detached case with mystery and thriller elements. Many fans were disappointed – the film was considered by some to be a solid crime drama, but a weak "X-Files" contribution.
The series comeback: seasons 10 & 11
In 2016, around 14 years after the original series ended, Mulder and Scully returned with a short 10th season. The six episodes mixed classic monster episodes with new mythological elements, but only managed to convince most fans to a limited extent. Season 11 followed in 2018 with ten more episodes.
Cult status and legacy
The series not only shaped the mystery genre, but was also stylistically ahead of its time – with a dark aesthetic, innovative camera work and an iconic soundtrack. In addition, "The X-Files" was a pioneer for many modern series. "The X-Files" is therefore more than just a series – it is a cultural phenomenon that has set new standards for decades.