THE X-FILES Creator Says David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson Will Return for Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Mulder and Scully may be getting pulled back into The X-Files Again after all.
Ryan Coogler’s The X-Files reboot has been taking shape with a new pair of leads and a fresh approach to the paranormal franchise, but one major question has remained: Will the original agents be involved?
According to series creator Chris Carter, it sounds like David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are expected to return as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.
Coogler, the filmmaker behind Sinners, is developing the new series with Danielle Deadwyler (Till) and Himesh Patel (The Odyssey) reportedly set to play the two new leads.
While the reboot appears ready to build its own corner of the X-Files universe, Carter has now offered the strongest indication yet that it won’t completely leave Mulder and Scully behind.
Speaking with Polygon, Carter said: “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."
That’s a pretty exciting development for X-Files fans. Carter is serving as an executive producer on Coogler’s series, so while his wording stops short of an official casting announcement, he’s certainly in a position to know what’s being planned.
Anderson’s potential return isn’t entirely unexpected. The actress has already confirmed that she’s had conversations with Coogler and, more importantly, has read the pilot script. She sounds genuinely impressed by what he’s cooking up.
During Awesome Con in Washington, D.C. back in March, Anderson said: "We've had a few conversations. He's such a cool guy and so talented, and the pilot script is really good.
“So, I would say, 'Have an open mind and give it a chance because it's gonna be f***ing cool.' It really is. It's something different. It's different and it's special."
Rather than simply recreating the Mulder and Scully dynamic with two younger characters, his version of The X-Files seems positioned to introduce new protagonists while maintaining a connection to the mythology that came before it.
Having Duchovny and Anderson appear could provide that bridge without forcing the new series to live entirely in the shadow of the original.
The big mystery now is how substantial those appearances will be. Mulder and Scully could show up for cameos, play recurring roles, or become directly involved in whatever conspiracy and paranormal madness Coogler has planned.
Carter’s comments don’t give us that answer yet, but the possibility of seeing Duchovny and Anderson sharing the screen as these characters again makes this reboot considerably more interesting.
Coogler is also a filmmaker with the right instincts to make this material his own. Between Sinners, Creed, and Black Panther, he’s shown an ability to work within established genres and franchises while bringing a distinct personality to them. If Anderson’s reaction to the pilot is any indication, his X-Files series isn’t interested in simply replaying the greatest hits.
While fans wait to see what’s out there in Coogler’s new series, another piece of X-Files history has resurfaced. A new version of The X-Files: I Want to Believe is now available on Disney+ and Hulu, featuring Carter’s director’s cut of the 2008 movie. This version restores some of the horror material that was removed from the original theatrical release.
There are still plenty of unanswered questions surrounding Ryan Coogler’s The X-Files reboot, but bringing Mulder and Scully into the mix could be a great way to connect generations of fans.