The X-Files reboot: current developments and what we know

The X-Files, the iconic sci-fi series that originally debuted in the 1990s, is getting a reboot. The news has reignited fan interest, especially as more details emerge about the new direction the series will take. While much remains unknown, there are a few key facts we can share so far about this exciting new project.

The people involved

David Duchovny, who originally played FBI agent Fox Mulder, has said he knows very little about the reboot. In an interview, he revealed that he has spoken with Ryan Coogler, the Black Panther director who is leading the project, but that he has not yet read a script.

Duchovny said: "I have a general idea of what it is, but I haven't read the script. There have been conversations about certain things, but there is nothing concrete at this point." He also expressed concern about Mulder's role in the new universe, saying: "I don't know if my character exists in that show. It's all hypothetical for me, so I can't really talk about it."

More cast members

In February 2023, it was announced that the reboot had received a series order at Hulu, and that Danielle Deadwyler, known for Carry-On and Till, would take one of the two lead roles. Himesh Patel, seen in Tenet and Yesterday, later joined the cast as a co-star. While there is no official confirmation that Duchovny will return as Mulder, his co-star Gillian Anderson, who plays Dana Scully, has shown interest in coming back.

Story and themes

The new series is reportedly set to follow two highly regarded but very different FBI agents who form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a division dealing with unsolved cases and unusual phenomena. That setup suggests a focus on mystery and the supernatural, the qualities that made the original series so beloved by viewers.

Duchovny said he hopes the reboot will deliver a number of high-quality episodes. He pointed out how the original X-Files series delivered creative and intriguing stories every week. "We were blessed with a writers room that could generate 20 to 25 movie ideas," he said. "I hope Ryan doesn't have to make 25 episodes and can keep it to 10 or 12, and that he has great writers, because that's the key to making the show work."

With plenty of questions still unanswered and anticipation building, the X-Files reboot remains a topic that both fans and new viewers are watching closely. As more details surface, it now remains to be seen when the first season will debut and how the new stories will compare to the beloved classics of the past.