Gillian Anderson has addressed the highly anticipated plans to reboot The X-Files, providing fresh insight just as acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler confirms he is moving forward with his own vision for the iconic series. Speaking recently on ITV1’s This Morning, Anderson shared that she has spoken directly to Coogler, expressing her confidence in his ability to lead the show into a new, more diverse chapter, while emphasizing her openness to return if the timing and project feel right. The news comes as Coogler, riding high from his recent success with the film Sinners, officially states The X-Files is next on his agenda, sparking excitement and speculation among longtime fans eager to see what the future holds for the classic sci-fi franchise.
The X-Files originally aired on Fox from 1993 to 2002, winning Emmys and captivating viewers with its blend of paranormal investigations and government conspiracies. The series was later revived for two more seasons in 2016 and 2018, bringing its total episode count to 218, and spawned two feature films as well. Over the decades, Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of Dana Scully became a cultural milestone, and her ongoing association with the show has ensured every announcement about its future draws widespread attention and speculation.
Renewed interest in The X-Files soared in 2023 when series creator Chris Carter revealed that Ryan Coogler was planning to “remount” the show with a diverse cast, though 20th Century Fox Television would not confirm or deny those talks at the time. Now, with Sinners completed and generating critical buzz, Coogler has confirmed on Last Podcast on the Left that The X-Files is “immediately next” for him, saying,
I’ve been excited about that for a long time and I’m fired up to get back to it.
He added,
Some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really fucking scary.
Gillian Anderson’s comments came during a press interview while promoting her upcoming film The Salt Path. She stated,
I spoke to [Coogler], and what I said was, ‘If anyone were to do it, I think you are the perfect person, and best of luck!’
She continued,
At some point if the phone rings and it’s good, and it feels like the right time, perhaps. That’s what I said. He’s amazing.
Though Anderson refrained from confirming her direct involvement, her words suggest an openness to participate—an encouraging sign for fans eager to see her reprise the role that made her an icon.
As of now, no casting announcements have been made for the new series, and the format remains a subject of speculation. Chris Carter, the show’s original creator, has shared that Coogler’s intention is to
remount The X-Files with a diverse cast,
acknowledging the vast narrative ground already covered:
He’s got his work cut out for him, because we covered so much territory.
Carter has also expressed strong support for the project, giving his “full embrace” to Coogler’s new vision and keeping further details “top secret” for now.
The prospect of revitalizing The X-Files with a fresh, diverse ensemble has ignited conversations throughout the entertainment industry. The reboot’s approach—whether as a full reimagining with entirely new actors in classic roles, or as a spin-off or revival expanding on the original story with new leads—remains unclear. If the latter option is chosen, Gillian Anderson and original co-star David Duchovny could potentially return in some capacity, offering a bridge to the past for dedicated fans while also inviting a new generation into the eerie universe of The X-Files.
The legacy of inclusion in the original series was limited, with an overwhelmingly white primary cast but notable recurring roles for Black actors such as James Pickens Jr., who played Deputy Director Alvin Kersh, and Steven Williams as the late government informant Mr. X. This history gives added significance to Coogler’s emphasis on diversity, promising a meaningful update in keeping with modern sensibilities. The buzz around possible casting has even seen actors like Steve Toussaint expressing playful public interest in joining, stating,
Oh my God, yeah, I could be Fox Mulder! Come on, Ryan, let’s make it happen.
Ryan Coogler’s track record as one of the most dynamic young directors in Hollywood heightens anticipation that his involvement will bring innovation and renewed energy to The X-Files brand. With acclaimed films like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and the blockbuster Black Panther and its sequel, Coogler has demonstrated a flair for both commercial and critical success, and his energetic, inclusive vision aligns well with current trends in serialized storytelling. His limited forays into television—including producing Marvel’s What If…?, Ironheart, and Eyes of Wakanda—have further built his reputation as a creative talent capable of shaping high-volume, high-impact content.
The original X-Files has left an indelible mark on pop culture, winning 16 Emmy Awards across its nine-year run and earning 62 total nominations. Episodes featuring Gillian Anderson’s nuanced performance as Scully, such as “Memento Mori,” which earned her an Emmy, continue to be referenced as some of the medium’s finest storytelling. These accolades underscore how any reboot or reimagining will be judged against a legacy of excellence, heightening both the stakes and the potential rewards for Coogler and for Gillian Anderson should she choose to rejoin this new incarnation.
While other original cast members—including David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis, Robert Patrick, and Annabeth Gish—have not yet commented on the reboot, the industry’s attention is firmly fixed on the new developments. Chris Carter’s assurance that the next phase of The X-Files is coming, along with his personal conversation with Coogler and open endorsement, has given fans tangible reason to hope for both innovation and respect for the show’s intricate mythology.
The significance of Gillian Anderson’s remarks and Coogler’s confirmed leadership of The X-Files reboot cannot be overstated. Their collaboration symbolizes a merging of the franchise’s trusted legacy with youthful vision and more representative storytelling, reflecting both industry demand and broader cultural shifts. As Anderson put it, her involvement depends on timing and creative fit, but her praise for Coogler suggests a real possibility for synergy. Many believe that the return of Gillian Anderson—whose Scully defined an era of television heroines—would ground the new series in authenticity and attract both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
As development on The X-Files reboot moves forward, the entertainment world watches closely to see whether Gillian Anderson will officially sign on and how Ryan Coogler’s commitment to diversity and dramatic intensity will reshape the show. Should the reboot succeed, it could herald a new standard for reviving classic properties, balancing reverence for the original with bold new directions. For now, as fans await further announcements, the message from both Anderson and Coogler is clear: the search for the truth—and for the soul of The X-Files—continues, charged with hope, anticipation, and a passion for storytelling that defies both time and expectation.
