Ryan Coogler, known for his impactful filmmaking, is set to reunite with Academy Award-nominated cinematographer Autumn Durald for the upcoming reboot of the X-Files series. Their renewed collaboration comes months after Coogler’s film Sinners drew significant attention at BAFTA 2026, highlighting the director’s continued influence in the industry. This project marks an important creative partnership that speaks to the merging of their cinematic talents once more.
The Professional Bond Between Coogler and Durald
Autumn Durald has earned acclaim as a cinematographer with credits spanning numerous notable films, including Palo Alto and the Marvel blockbuster Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. She first gained widespread recognition through her work on Sinners, a film directed by Coogler that received 13 BAFTA nominations. Their partnership began during the production of Sinners and now continues as they prepare for the X-Files reboot, further strengthening their creative connection.
In a recent interview, Durald reflected on their initial encounter:
“I saw him once at a cafe, and I told him this after the fact. We were both eating, and he was with (his wife and producer) Zinzi, and I remember I was with my agent having lunch, and I saw that he was at the table next to me, but we had never met. I didn’t know if he knew who I was. So that was the first time I was in the same space as him, and I clocked him.” — Autumn Durald, Cinematographer
Previous Collaborations and Current Projects
Coogler and Durald are reportedly in discussions about Black Panther 3, which would represent their third joint venture after their successful work on the original Black Panther and Sinners. Their first major collaboration was on Sinners, a period drama set in the 1930s American South that explores themes like violence and survival through a compelling narrative enriched by a distinctive visual style. The film’s deep storytelling and technical innovation earned significant critical praise during awards season, closely trailed by other acclaimed productions such as Hamnet.
Coogler’s filmmaking journey is marked by his blend of independent cinema sensibilities and studio-scale productions. Beginning with the critically praised Fruitvale Station, he gained further recognition with Creed before making an indelible mark on the Marvel universe with Black Panther. His consistent focus on character-driven stories has garnered multiple accolades, including Cannes awards and numerous Oscar nominations.
The Significance of the X-Files Reboot
The X-Files series, originally airing from 1993 to 2002, centered around two FBI agents investigating paranormal phenomena. The reboot signifies Coogler and Durald’s second collaboration within the horror genre following Sinners. This pairing brings together their proven ability to combine atmospheric storytelling with technical expertise, representing high expectations for the new iteration.
Durald’s reputation for immersive cinematography extends across both film and television, with projects like The Sun Is Also a Star and Marvel’s Loki showcasing her distinctive visual style. Her work on Sinners involved innovative use of formats that had never been combined before, which she described as a particularly meaningful experience:
“It was a very special day because we were shooting these two formats that had never been together before, and then also just having Buddy Guy on set your first day of shooting, the pressure was on but it went beautifully.” — Autumn Durald, Cinematographer
Recognition and Future Prospects of the Duo
The teamwork between Coogler and Durald has propelled both into new career heights. Durald became the first female cinematographer to shoot on IMAX 65mm and Ultra Panavision 70, achievements that underscore her technical skill and artistic vision. Beyond BAFTA, she has received honors from the American Society of Cinematographers and the British Society of Cinematographers, affirming her status in the industry.
Meanwhile, Coogler’s work continues to resonate globally, with his recognition by critics’ groups and guilds solidifying his place among the most influential directors of his generation. Their joint effort on the X-Files reboot is anticipated to deliver a fresh and compelling take on the beloved series, combining their distinct creative strengths to craft a visually powerful and storytelling-rich experience.
