Ryan Coogler Shares Personal Inspiration and Casting Update on THE X-FILES Reboot
Director Ryan Coogler has opened up about his upcoming reboot of the iconic sci-fi series The X-Files, revealing a heartfelt reason behind why the project means so much to him, and teasing fans with a few cryptic updates about the cast.
Created by Chris Carter, the original The X-Files first premiered in 1993, introducing the world to FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, played by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.
The show became a cultural phenomenon, running for nine seasons before returning for two more, as well as two feature films, The X-Files (1998) and The X-Files: I Want to Believe (2008).
Now, Coogler is breathing new life into the series with a fresh reboot currently in development. While official plot and casting details remain under wraps, rumors have been swirling that Danielle Deadwyler could be taking a leading role in the revival.
Speaking with Variety, Coogler shared that his motivation for taking on The X-Files came from a very personal place… his connection with his mother.
“Like my relationship with Rocky with my dad, The X-Files is one of those things with my mom. My mom means the world to me — she’s actually here tonight — so this is a big one for me. I want to do right by her and the fans. My mom has read some of the stuff I wrote for it. She’s fired up.”
When asked about the rumors surrounding Deadwyler’s involvement, the director played coy, saying:
“I can neither confirm or deny.”
That same answer came when he was asked whether Duchovny or Anderson might return to reprise their legendary roles as Mulder and Scully.
Deadwyler, who has appeared in Netflix’s Carry-On, Blumhouse’s The Woman in the Yard, and Till, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actresses. Her recent filmography also includes The Devil to Pay, The Harder They Fall, I Saw the TV Glow, and The Piano Lesson.
So far, there’s no confirmed premiere date for Coogler’s The X-Files reboot, but with his creative vision and clear emotional investment, fans have plenty of reason to be excited. Hopefully, we get a series that is mysterious, cinematic, and full of heart.