Ryan Coogler, acclaimed director known for Black Panther and Fruitvale Station, is officially set to reboot The X-Files series, with a potential 2026 debut planned on Hulu. As his latest film Sinners dominates the box office, raking in $214 million in the United States and $283 million globally, Coogler is moving swiftly to make The X-Files his next major project. The announcement has generated a surge of excitement among fans, particularly with Coogler expressing a strong commitment to honoring the show’s eerie legacy while bringing new energy to the franchise.
During a promotional interview for Sinners, Ryan Coogler confirmed that The X-Files reboot is “immediately next” on his agenda, emphasizing his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
Coogler stated, underscoring his ambition to recapture the unsettling atmosphere that originally captivated audiences.
Gillian Anderson, who famously played FBI Agent Dana Scully, is currently in talks to reprise her iconic role. Coogler shared insight into their ongoing discussions:
While Anderson’s official return has not been finalized, Coogler was optimistic, saying,
Anderson herself has shown significant interest in the project, especially with Ryan Coogler at the helm. Reflecting on his vision, she noted,
and described him as a “brilliant, brilliant director.” In a recent interview, Anderson elaborated,
Most recently, she told ITV’s This Morning,
The original creative mind behind The X-Files, Chris Carter, has also voiced support for Ryan Coogler’s approach. Carter recounted his conversation with Coogler:
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Carter remarked,
The endorsement from Carter lends credibility to Coogler’s efforts, and signals a respectful handover of the franchise’s legacy.
David Duchovny, who portrayed believer Fox Mulder, has commented on the possibilities of his return. In an interview with Screenrant, Duchovny shared,
He also admitted,
indicating some uncertainty about how Mulder’s story could continue if the character were to appear in the new series.
Speculation about returning characters remains, with many fans wondering whether The X-Files reboot will feature the original dynamic between Mulder and Scully, or whether Anderson’s Scully might return in a more supervisory role. Given Scully’s evolution throughout the original series, her perspective could bring fresh authority to a new generation of agents, offering a unique dynamic grounded in her extraordinary experiences.
Although no official casting announcements beyond Anderson have been made, speculation is mounting that Ryan Coogler might invite frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan to join the project, given their success with Sinners, Black Panther, Fruitvale Station, and Creed. The prospect of Jordan taking part in The X-Files reboot has heightened anticipation, as the combination of Coogler’s vision and Jordan’s talent could introduce entirely new dimensions to the beloved series.
Ryan Coogler’s partnership with Hulu is strengthened by his five-year deal with Walt Disney Television, which further suggests that the streaming service is the likely home for The X-Files reboot. The series is in the early stages of development, with a targeted debut in 2026 if production proceeds as scheduled. As Coogler commits to making the franchise both appealing to long-time fans and accessible for new viewers, industry analysts and fans alike are keeping a close eye on casting decisions, narrative direction, and stylistic choices.
The challenges ahead for Ryan Coogler are substantial, from carefully casting new leads that can capture the complex chemistry of Mulder and Scully, to updating storylines that balance skepticism and belief in a modern context. With Carter’s acknowledgment of the difficulties intrinsic to The X-Files, Coogler faces the task of not only living up to the original show’s reputation but also adapting its core mysteries for today’s audience, many of whom approach conspiracy theories and the unknown with new levels of skepticism and curiosity.
The significance of The X-Files reboot led by Ryan Coogler extends beyond nostalgia for the original show. By recruiting top talent, respecting the series’ roots, and situating the reboot within contemporary discussions about truth, uncertainty, and fear, Coogler stands poised to deliver a version of The X-Files that resonates with both veteran fans and those new to the franchise. If Gillian Anderson agrees to return and if the casting of new leads is successful, The X-Files could once again become a cultural phenomenon, reigniting passionate conversations about unexplained mysteries and the power of belief.
The next steps in the process will likely include finalizing the cast, developing scripts, and mapping out how the new vision will both reference the original show’s mythology and set a course for unexplored territory. As Ryan Coogler leads this ambitious reboot, the question of whether the truth is still out there remains as urgent and conflicted as ever, fueling anticipation ahead of the planned 2026 debut.
