Three years after its announcement, Ryan Coogler’s X-Files reboot is beginning to take concrete form, aiming to revive the acclaimed sci-fi saga originally created by Chris Carter. The original The X-Files, featuring David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, captivated audiences from 1993 to 2002 on Fox, blending paranormal mysteries with complex character dynamics. Now, with Coogler at the helm, the reboot seeks to reimagine this world with fresh stories, building on the legacy that includes two feature films and later seasons released in 2016 and 2018.
The central tension between Mulder’s hopeful belief in extraterrestrials and Scully’s scientific skepticism defined the show’s allure. Coogler’s reboot, often referred to by critics as the “Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot,” promises to honor this dynamic while introducing new characters and chilling storylines.
Original Creator Chris Carter Steps Back From Creative Duties
In early 2023, reports confirmed Ryan Coogler was developing a new X-Files series that would adhere to the classic monster-of-the-week formula, centering on standalone investigations of paranormal events. The original show gradually unveiled a deeper conspiracy involving Mulder’s sister, which highlighted the philosophical clash between Mulder’s belief in aliens and Scully’s preference for facts.
Despite Carter’s profound influence in shaping The X-Files, in February 2024 he stated that he would not take part in the reboot’s creative process.
“I’m honored that they came to me and asked me, not for my permission, but my blessing,”
Carter commented. He described his involvement as limited to supporting from the sidelines and confirmed his role as an executive producer, serving primarily as a cheerleader for the reboot’s success.
Ryan Coogler’s Personal Connection to The X-Files Shapes the Reboot
Ryan Coogler revealed in April 2025 that the reboot would follow his widely acclaimed film Sinners, which had set records for Oscar nominations. Discussing the project, Coogler expressed enthusiasm and a strong desire to deliver genuinely frightening episodes.
“I’m working on X-Files. That’s what’s immediately next. So, I’ve been excited about that for a long time, and I’m fired up to get back to it, and that, you know, some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really f—king scary.”
Coogler’s motivation runs deeper than professional ambition. He explained that just as he rebooted the Rocky franchise to honor his father’s love for the films, this project is an homage to his mother’s affection for The X-Files. Speaking at Cinespia, he described the emotional significance:
“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.”
The Reboot Will Maintain Classic Monsters and Explore New Conspiracies
Coogler indicated in December 2025 that the new The X-Files will continue the tradition of featuring standalone “monster-of-the-week” stories while also exploring a larger, possibly alien-related conspiracy. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, he reflected on the pressure and excitement surrounding the reboot, highlighting the responsibility of meeting fan expectations.
“Black Panther comes after that. I’m blessed to be working on things this cool. It’s also nice to have something that has the pressure of the fans, [and] a lot of really smart people that I don’t want to let down.”
Although Coogler has not disclosed whether David Duchovny or Gillian Anderson will reprise their iconic roles or appear as new characters, casting decisions have begun to emerge.
Danielle Deadwyler Cast as the Female Lead in the New Series
In February 2026, it was announced that Danielle Deadwyler would star as the female lead in the reboot, marking a new direction for the franchise. Deadwyler is not taking on the role of Dana Scully but instead will portray a fresh character heading the FBI’s X-Files unit.
The show’s updated premise pairs Deadwyler’s agent with a partner forming
“an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena.”
Deadwyler’s acting range is well recognized, having earned a BAFTA nomination for her work in Till and credits across productions such as The Harder They Fall, Watchmen, and Paradise Lost.
While promoting her HBO series Rooster, Deadwyler hinted at the series’ tone, saying:
“The fact that it is cooking slowly and with lots of flavor. That’s the most I’ve given away today. I’m sorry! That’s the most I’ve given away today! Low and slow!”
The identity of her male counterpart remains undisclosed, fueling anticipation about the reboot’s casting decisions and direction.
Speculation Surrounds the Return of Original Leads Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny
One of the most debated questions is whether Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny will return in any capacity. The original actors are inseparable from the series’ identity, and Coogler remains ambivalent but open to their involvement.
Coogler shared with Last Podcast on the Left that he has stayed in touch with Anderson, who might consider reprising Dana Scully:
“I’ve spoken to the great Gillian. She’s incredible. Fingers crossed there. I can’t wait to see her. She’s in Tron [Ares]. I just seen a trailer for that. When I spoke to her, she was finishing that up. But, yeah, but we’re gonna try to make something really… we’re gonna try to make something really great, bro, and really, really be, you know, something for the real X-Files fans, you know what I’m saying? And, maybe, find some new ones.”
Later, when interviewed by Josh Horowitz, Coogler remained measured on the topic of Anderson and Duchovny reprising their roles, stating simply:
“I’m a big fan of [Gillian Anderson], big fan of David [Duchovny]. That’s all I can say.”
In 2024, Duchovny himself expressed mixed feelings about returning to Mulder in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, remarking:
“I don’t wake up and wonder, ‘Where is the X-Files stock today?’ But I love that show. I don’t know what my character would be like at my age. It’s an interesting question. That show can address the present as well as it addressed the ’90s. It just depends on Chris [Carter] or the other writers. I’m always like, ‘Hey, let’s see.'”
Streaming on Hulu: A New Chapter for The X-Files Reboot
The reboot will premiere on Hulu, where it was greenlit with Jennifer Yale as showrunner shortly after Deadwyler’s casting was announced in February 2026. Shifting from Fox’s traditional cable platform to Hulu’s streaming service introduces notable challenges, especially considering the original series featured lengthy, 20-episode seasons that encouraged appointment viewing. The shorter seasons in the show’s later years suggest the reboot may need to adapt its storytelling pace and episode count for contemporary viewing habits.
Jennifer Yale brings a wealth of experience to the production, having worked for a decade as a producer on series like Outlander, Legion, and Chambers, as well as contributing as a writer to high-profile shows such as Dexter, Da Vinci’s Demons, and Underground. Her involvement promises a polished guiding hand for the reboot’s creative direction.
As Ryan Coogler continues to develop this highly anticipated project, the X-Files reboot is positioned to rekindle the haunting mysteries and complicated relationships that originally captured global audiences, while also exploring new narratives for a new generation of fans.
