Ryan Coogler’s X-Files Revival: Gilligan Zoom Sparks Buzz

Ryan Coogler is actively working on the new The X-Files revival, offering fresh perspectives on the writing process and collaborations shaping the series. In a recent interview conducted on a January afternoon, Coogler revealed that he had spent the morning deeply engaged in writing for the reboot. The filmmaker expressed,

“I’m in deep now. Today’s a good day. Been a lot of days that weren’t so good.”

Ryan Coogler’s ongoing efforts highlight his dedication to revitalizing the beloved sci-fi franchise for both current fans and new audiences.

Coogler described the project as personally meaningful, reflecting on how The X-Files was a show he regularly watched with his mother during his youth. Discussing the pressure behind crafting the scripts, he shared,

“There are times when I wish that I could separate and have a day where I’m not anxious about having to deliver the draft.”

This insight paints a picture of the intensity and commitment involved in bringing this new iteration to life. Furthermore, Coogler consulted with Vince Gilligan, acclaimed for his work on Breaking Bad, seeking guidance on steering a television series. He recalled,

“Vince gave me a couple hours of advice over Zoom and answered all the questions I had – I’ve got them all in my notebook, and I go back to it often.”

Timeline of Developments Surrounding the Revival

The revival’s journey began gaining attention in March 2023, when The X-Files creator Chris Carter acknowledged Coogler’s involvement and intent to refresh the franchise with a diverse cast. Carter informed Michelle Eliot of CBC’s On The Coast,

“I just spoke to a young man… Ryan Coogler… who is going to remount ‘The X-Files’ with a diverse cast. So he’s got his work cut out for him because we covered so much territory.”

By February 2024, Carter clarified his role regarding the reboot, emphasizing his absence from direct creative involvement. Speaking at his Los Angeles art exhibit, he noted,

“Only as a cheerleader. They don’t need my blessing. 20th Century Fox and Disney own the show. They are free to do with it what they believe. I’m honored that they came to me and asked me not for my permission but my blessing.”

Despite limitations imposed by Disney’s confidentiality policies, Carter did confirm conversations with Coogler about the series approach, stating,

“I’m not supposed to be talking about it, according to Disney. But I’ll tell you, yes. I’ve had a conversation with him. Yes, he likes to go with a diverse cast. And he’s got some good ideas.”

Later in April 2024, Carter expressed some caution about potential challenges the revival might face, indicating awareness of the project’s complexities.

Gillian Anderson’s Reactions and Potential Return

In April 2024, Gillian Anderson spoke with NBC’s TODAY show, during which she praised Coogler’s direction, calling his approach an intriguing method for reviving the franchise. She revealed this as the first time she acknowledged a possible return since ending her run on the show, stating tentatively,

“Maybe I’ll pop in for a little somethin’-somethin’.”

Later, in April 2025, Coogler elaborated on the excitement surrounding the project, sharing on a podcast,

“I’ve been excited about that for a long time, and I’m fired up to get back to it.”

He also described the intended tone for the episodes, emphasizing a blend of suspense and horror:

“You know, some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really fucking scary.”

Coogler spoke warmly of his conversations with Anderson, calling her incredible and highlighting his enthusiasm for her upcoming role in Tron: Ares. He expressed cautious optimism about her involvement in the new series, adopting a

“fingers crossed”

attitude. His goal is to carefully balance the expectations of long-time fans while also attracting newcomers, seeking to “make something really great” and provide something authentic for true The X-Files supporters alongside appealing to fresh viewers.

Anderson later expanded on her discussions with Coogler during an interview on ITV1’s This Morning, explaining,

“I spoke to him, and what I said was, ‘If anyone were to do it, I think you are the perfect person and best of luck, call me.’”

She kept open the possibility of returning, adding,

“At some point, if the phone rings, it’s good, and it feels like the right time, perhaps.”

Coogler’s Personal Connection and Casting Speculations

Ryan Coogler emphasized the emotional significance of this project, especially relating it to his mother’s influence. At a screening of Sinners in October 2025 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, he revealed,

“Like my relationship with ‘Rocky’ with my dad, ‘The X-Files’ is one of those things with my mom. My mom means the world to me — she’s actually here tonight — so this is a big one for me. I want to do right by her and the fans. My mom has read some of the stuff I wrote for it. She’s fired up.”

When asked about rumors involving potential casting, such as Danielle Deadwyler from HBO’s Station Eleven, Coogler maintained secrecy with humor, stating,

“I can neither confirm nor deny.”

This applied as well to questions regarding Anderson’s or David Duchovny’s involvement in the revival.

Insights from Interviews and Future Plans for the Series

December 2025 saw additional details emerge from Coogler during Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. He expressed enthusiasm about honoring the legacy of The X-Files and discussed how the series profoundly influenced popular culture. Coogler shared,

“That show is what I used to watch with my mom, bro. It’s one of the most beautiful American television shows ever made, I think. It’s the story, because, you know, Chris Carter tells you he was trying to make ‘Kolchak the Night Stalker,’ you know what I’m saying? And for me, that’s what it’s all about. It’s like when you, as an artist, when you [try to] capture something that you were influenced by and you make something totally new. Anytime you watch a TV show or movie where there’s a skeptic paired with a believer and they’re trying to solve a case, like, you know, ‘True Detective’ season one, for instance.”

Coogler acknowledged The X-Files as a foundational show that helped birth prominent talents such as Vince Gilligan, with whom he had the opportunity to speak for advice on television storytelling. He said,

“That’s the show that gave us Vince Gilligan, bro, you know what I’m saying? I got a chance to talk to Vince Gilligan, and get advice on how to make television, you know what I mean? I’m hyped, bro.”

Addressing the structure the new series will adopt, Coogler confirmed it would preserve the essence of the original by mixing standalone “monster-of-the-week” episodes with a larger mythology arc. He stated,

“I mean, it wouldn’t be X-Files if we didn’t do both, you know? We intend on having both ‘monsters of the week’ and the overarching conspiracy.”

Importantly, Coogler confirmed that the new The X-Files revival is scheduled to air before the production of Marvel Studios’ Black Panther 3, indicating a clear timeline for when fans can expect the series to debut.

Key Collaborators and Creative Team Updates

At Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast in January 2026, acclaimed cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who earned an Academy Award nomination for her work on Sinners, announced her involvement in Coogler’s X-Files project. Arkapaw described their collaboration as “very exciting,” sharing that although she is a fan of the series, she does not consider herself a “super fan” but is carefully revisiting the source material to ensure the new series remains faithful to the original’s spirit while bringing fresh energy.

This partnership highlights Coogler’s commitment to assembling a skilled creative team capable of delivering a visually and narratively compelling revival, further raising anticipation for the series among fans and industry observers alike.

Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect from the Revival

Ryan Coogler’s work on the X-Files revival promises a show that honors its groundbreaking legacy while expanding its reach to new audiences. His personal connection to the franchise, combined with insights gained from veteran Vince Gilligan and support from original cast members like Gillian Anderson, establishes a foundation for a series blending nostalgia with innovative storytelling.

The revival’s blend of standalone mysteries interwoven with overarching conspiracies reflects the classic formula that made the original series a cultural touchstone, and Coogler’s desire to deliver episodes that are genuinely frightening suggests intensified suspense and high stakes for viewers. With the involvement of a strong creative crew and careful consideration of diverse casting, the series aims to meet the expectations of longtime fans while expanding the franchise’s appeal.

As Coogler continues writing and refining the scripts, anticipation builds for a fresh chapter that reconnects with the original’s core themes of skepticism, belief, and intrigue, making it a significant upcoming release in the world of television.