Robert Patrick Opens Up about Possible Return as Agent Doggett in Ryan Coogler’s X-FILES Reboot
After more than two decades away from The X-Files, Robert Patrick is talking about the possibility of reprising his role as FBI Special Agent John Doggett for Ryan Coogler’s highly anticipated reboot of the legendary sci-fi series.
The project has been quietly developing since early 2025, when Coogler revealed that he planned to tackle the X-Files reboot right after the box office success of his vampire horror hit Sinners.
While official details are scarce, both David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have hinted that they’re open to returning as Mulder and Scully, leaving fans hopeful that some familiar faces might once again chase the truth that’s still out there.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant while promoting Tulsa King season 3 on Paramount+, Patrick was asked what he’d like to see from Doggett if the reboot called him back into the field. His answer was filled with affection for the character:
“That is my favorite character of all time!”
When asked if there was something he would like to see if they do invite you to come back as John, he said:
“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.”
It’s been 23 years since Doggett was last seen in The X-Files universe. He joined the show in Season 8, stepping in after Duchovny’s reduced role as Mulder, and teamed up with Annabeth Gish’s Monica Reyes when Anderson’s Scully shifted into a teaching role in Season 9.
While both Patrick and Gish received praise for their performances, their introduction marked a major turning point for the series, one that divided fans but also gave The X-Files a fresh, grounded dynamic.
Franchise creator Chris Carter casually confirmed the project in a podcast interview, saying that while he’s not directly involved, the new version has his blessing.
Coogler later reaffirmed that the reboot is still alive as of April 2025, though no casting or release information has been made public yet.
Early word suggests the new X-Files will feature an all-new team of characters but remain connected to the same universe, leaving the door open for cameos from classic agents like Mulder, Scully, Doggett, and Reyes. If that’s the case, a Doggett return would be a welcome one.
I would love to see Coogler craft a story that would bring Doggett back! It would be so cool to get a new story that gives Doggett a proper spotlight, and maybe even give fans a reunion with some of the old team.