Ryan Coogler, acclaimed filmmaker known for “Black Panther” and “Creed,” has unveiled his approach to the upcoming X-Files reboot, a project that has drawn intense interest since franchise creator Chris Carter announced Coogler’s involvement in March 2023. As Carter confirmed he is not directly involved but supports Coogler’s vision, the project is poised to reimagine the iconic series for a new generation, with fans eager to see how the Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot will honor and expand its legacy.
Excitement has been growing due to Coogler’s impressive career, marked by both commercial and critical triumphs. His latest work, “Sinners,” featuring frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan, shattered box office expectations and sparked Oscar speculation, further boosting his credentials ahead of tackling such a beloved property as “The X-Files.”
Structure of the Reboot and Possible Returning Stars
During a recent interview on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Coogler was questioned about the direction of the reboot and whether original stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson would reprise their roles as Mulder and Scully. Coogler refrained from giving specifics about casting but offered insight into the format he plans to pursue:
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.
Details about whether Duchovny and Anderson will return remain unconfirmed. Both actors, as well as Coogler, have been careful not to promise anything, but neither side has ruled out involvement outright. Coogler emphasized his respect for the original stars, saying:
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.
A Personal and Cultural Connection to The X-Files
Coogler shared reflections about the influence “The X-Files” had on him both personally and artistically. He described watching the series with his mother and praised its place in American television history. He acknowledged the foundational role Chris Carter played in developing a show that continues to influence the skeptic-believer dynamic across many genres, including acclaimed series like “True Detective” and the early work of Vince Gilligan, who wrote for “The X-Files” before creating “Breaking Bad.” Coogler expressed these thoughts:
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?
Anticipation and What’s Next for the X-Files Reboot
While Coogler has confirmed he is currently working on the new series, and that he will return to the “Black Panther” franchise afterwards, there have been no official announcements regarding casting or storylines. The lack of formal press releases keeps the project shrouded in mystery, but Coogler’s regular updates signal steady progress on the revival. Fans may see more concrete development, including cast news or teasers, in the coming year.
The original “X-Files” captivated viewers over nine seasons and a revival, winning points for its flexible format—a blend of standalone and serialized storytelling that fueled ongoing debates about the franchise’s best episodes. The new show aims to both preserve and refresh these elements, hoping to recapture the formula that led to its enduring popularity.
Coogler’s Approach and the Legacy of The X-Files
Given his filmography, Ryan Coogler is seen as an ideal leader for a diverse and ambitious take on “The X-Files.” From the intense character-driven drama of “Fruitvale Station” to the bombastic heroics of “Black Panther” and the genre depth of “Sinners,” Coogler’s work demonstrates his capacity to balance emotional intensity with genre storytelling. His challenge will be to honor the series’ traditions, from its signature supernatural cases to its overarching conspiracy mythology, while drawing on his own creative influences and assembling a team that can sustain the franchise’s relevance.
The show’s original stars, David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, remain closely associated with the series. Their potential involvement, should it happen, would excite longtime viewers and provide a bridge between the show’s origins and its future. For now, the Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot continues to build anticipation among fans of science fiction and television drama, promising a blend of nostalgia and new creative life for one of TV’s most influential series.
