The X-Files: Hints of a comeback for David Duchovny & Gillian Anderson
The show's original creator, Chris Carter, expects Fox Mulder and Dana Scully to return in the reboot
Ryan Coogler's "X-Files" revival is highly anticipated. One question that arises is: Will the reboot take place in the world of the original series, or will it create an entirely new universe? And: Will David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully? It's been clear for several months now that two other stars will take center stage this time around: Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel. Still, it's possible that Mulder and Scully will also play a role. Now, "The X-Files" creator Chris Carter has spoken out; he is reportedly on board as an executive producer for the series reboot – and his comments sound somewhat vague, but promising.
It's not an official confirmation, but in an interview with Polygon, he at least hints that a return by Mulder and Scully isn't unlikely. The website quotes Carter as saying:
"At least Gillian, I think, is going to appear in the Coogler version. And I'm assuming David will too, so you will see Mulder and Scully there."
Chris Carter's plans
If that's indeed the case, the reboot is likely to take place in the same "X-Files" universe that Carter once created. If he has his way, however, the Coogler reboot apparently won't be the only revival of "The X-Files." He told Polygon:
"I would love to do either another reboot, or another movie. My ideas going forward are big ideas. Whether they're a TV series or a movie, I don't know, but I have big plans."
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Fans of Chris Carter, however, can already look forward to a revival of a somewhat different kind. On August 14, 2026, a director's cut version of "The X-Files: I Want to Believe" will be released on Disney+ and Hulu. The original version of the film, which Chris Carter directed and co-wrote, was released in theaters in 2008. The current director's cut, subtitled "Vrach Frankenshteyn," reflects what Carter originally envisioned, including the horror elements that were omitted from the theatrical version to secure a lower age rating. Mulder and Scully investigate a case involving, among other things, a group of abducted women.
Ryan Coogler's X-Files reboot
As for Ryan Coogler's "X-Files" reboot, it will also center on an unlikely duo of two FBI agents. The highly decorated investigators are set to take over a division that deals with unexplained phenomena – one that was shut down long ago. The lead roles will be played by Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel. Deadwyler is known for her work in various productions. In recent years, she has appeared in the film "Till" and the Netflix thriller "Carry-On," among others. She was recently seen in the third season of the coming-of-age series "Euphoria." Many viewers will likely recognize Patel from the 2019 Beatles comedy "Yesterday." Most recently, he appeared in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey" alongside numerous other stars, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson.
Ryan Coogler, one of the most sought-after filmmakers today, is directing the "X-Files" reboot. With his acclaimed "Black Panther" blockbusters, the director has delivered box office hits that have grossed over two billion U.S. dollars worldwide. Most recently, he enjoyed great success with "Sinners." The vampire film won four Academy Awards at this year's Oscars, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan and an award for Coogler's screenplay.
