Ryan Coogler has offered the first glimpses into his plans for the highly anticipated reboot of The X-Files, confirming that he is deeply engaged in shaping the project’s direction. The new series is generating major buzz due to Coogler’s acclaimed track record with blockbuster films like Black Panther and Creed, making the Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot one of the most discussed topics among television and film fans this year.
Interest in the return of The X-Files surged in March 2023 when series creator Chris Carter publicly revealed that Coogler would be at the helm of a fresh version of the iconic ’90s science fiction show. Carter has stated he will not be involved in the upcoming series but has expressed support for Coogler’s efforts. The fan community and critics alike have become even more enthusiastic following Coogler’s recent success collaborating with Michael B. Jordan on Sinners, a vampire-themed film that has both broken box office records and garnered considerable Oscar speculation.
Maintaining the Classic X-Files Structure While Charting New Territory
During an interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Coogler discussed his approach to the structure and style of the new X-Files series. He did not confirm whether David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson would reprise their legendary roles as Mulder and Scully, but did clarify that the reboot would honor the series’ tradition of balancing episodic “monster-of-the-week” episodes with a long-form, overarching conspiracy storyline. As Coogler put it:
I mean, it wouldn’t be X-Files if we didn’t do both. We intend on having both Monsters of the Week and the overarching conspiracy. But that’s what I’m doing now.
— Ryan Coogler, Director
Although casting details remain under wraps, this commitment to both storytelling modes will likely reassure dedicated fans who appreciated the show’s blend of standalone mysteries and intricate plot arcs. Anderson and Duchovny, who originated the roles of Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, have remained coy in interviews when asked about their potential involvement, neither confirming nor explicitly denying a return. Coogler, when prompted about conversations with Anderson, kept his response brief but respectful:
I’m a big fan of her. I’m a big fan of David. You know what I mean? That’s all I could say.
— Ryan Coogler, Director
Coogler’s Personal Ties to The X-Files and Its Enduring Influence
Coogler has openly spoken about his long-standing admiration for The X-Files, mentioning its influence on both his storytelling sensibilities and on American television as a whole. The director explained that he watched the show growing up with his mother, and he reflected on the series’ legacy as a trailblazer that shaped the dynamic pairing of a skeptic and a believer—a model seen repeatedly in later works, including the first season of True Detective.
Man, I love it, bro. For me, that show is what I used to watch with my mom, bro. It’s one of the most beautiful American television shows I’ve ever made. I think it’s the story of Chris Carter. I’ll tell you, he was trying to make Kojack, The Night Stalker. You know what I’m saying? It’s like when you, as an artist, when you’re trying to capture something that you were influenced by, and you make something totally new. Anytime you watch a TV show, a movie where there’s a skeptic paired with a believer and they’re trying to solve a case, something like True Detective season 1, for instance. You know what I’m saying? It shows up so many times. And then, yeah, bro, that’s the show that gave us Vince Gilligan, bro. You know what I’m saying?
— Ryan Coogler, Director
Coogler acknowledged the original show’s wide-ranging impact, pointing out how it helped launch the career of Vince Gilligan, who contributed as a writer on The X-Files before creating the critically lauded Breaking Bad and Pluribus. These creative roots, according to Coogler, show just how influential Chris Carter’s original vision has been, not just on his own work as an artist but on American television at large.
Current Progress and What Comes Next for the X-Files Reboot
The director confirmed that he is actively developing the Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot, balancing his efforts with plans for Black Panther 3 that are expected to proceed once the series is further along. As of now, there have been no official press releases or concrete announcements about casting, supporting the notion that the project remains in early stages. Coogler has continued to give occasional updates, but it appears that fans will need to stay patient for new developments over the coming year.
The creative strategy aims to revive the original appeal of The X-Files, remembered for spanning nine seasons and a revival series in the 2010s. The show’s foundation of alternating standalone investigations with large-scale conspiracies fueled debates over which episodes epitomized its true spirit—a balance the reboot will attempt to strike again under Coogler’s direction.
Backing up his qualifications, Coogler’s filmmaking has shown a remarkable ability to combine character-driven drama, high-energy action, and layered narratives, as demonstrated in works like Fruitvale Station, Black Panther, Creed, and now Sinners. His experience working across genres is seen as a major strength that could rejuvenate the series and help the new X-Files capture the same longevity as the original.
The Lasting Effects of the Original Series and Coogler’s Vision
The X-Files, originally starring David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, became an iconic piece of American television, resonating with audiences by exploring the unknown through the eyes of its two leads. The unique combination of skepticism and open-mindedness exemplified by Mulder and Scully has continued to influence creative storytelling, even outside the genre, as seen in related series and movies over the years.
If the Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot can successfully blend the beloved hallmarks of the original—standalone supernatural cases and interconnected conspiracies—with Coogler’s signature storytelling style, it is poised to capture both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. The upcoming reboot’s focus on versatility and engagement, coupled with the hope for returning cast members like Duchovny and Anderson, signals that The X-Files may soon return as a central force in popular culture, sparking new discussions and imaginative mysteries for years to come.
