For a generation of television lovers, The X-Files was a beloved series that was a different take on television. Its mix of spooky paranormal events, slow-burn mythology, and the chemistry between FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully changed sci-fi television. Now more than three decades after its premiere, the series is coming back under the supervision of one of Hollywood’s most beloved filmmakers.
A Reboot at the Crossroads of Nostalgia and Innovation
Hulu has commissioned a pilot for a reboot of The X-Files being written and directed by the creative behind Black Panther and Sinners, Ryan Coogler. Although Coogler’s attachment has been rumored since 2023, the project has taken a significant step toward production with Jennifer Yale, who is most known for her work on Legion and Outlander being brought on as the showrunner.
Additionally, Danielle Deadwyler, known for her work in Till, The Piano Lesson, and The Harder They Fall, has been confirmed to be the lead of the show and is set to portray one of the two FBI agents.
Carrying the Torch
The creator of the original X-Files show, Chris Carter, is rumored to be the executive producer of the show and has openly expressed his excitement for Coogler’s take on the series. Making fans of the original show even more excited due to Carter’s faith in Coogler’s vision.
However, one thing that fans have disagreed on is just how the reboot should be executed, with some hoping for a continuation of the original series with Mulder and Scully still being the features of the show, while others are asking for a reboot to expand the universe by delving into more cosmic settings. Coogler himself stated that he wants to mix the old with the new, keeping a similar “monster of the week” format but with some ongoing mysteries throughout the course of the show.
Why This Matters Now
This reboot’s timing is important. Since the 1990s, the television landscape has changed significantly. Coogler’s cinematic experience is evidence that this reboot will be one to keep your eye on, and just by looking at some of Coogler’s projects, like Creed, it is safe to say that he knows how to give older properties a modern perspective rather than just repeating what was done in the source material.
The X-Files is relevant now more than ever in our current cultural climate, where there is now a growing distrust of authority figures and a discussion about the truth in the digital age. The original show thrived on challenging our presumptions and knowledge, and a reboot is well-positioned to explore new issues as well as revisit old ones in ways that appeal to audiences today.
Risks, Expectations, and Fan Reactions
However, not every response to the reboot has been positive. Naturally, there will always be criticism when it comes to a reboot of a beloved classic, with some already debating whether the reboot can live up to the legacy of the original.
However, the pilot order itself has changed most of the discussion toward optimism, with many hopeful about the chemistry between the new agents, possible mythological arcs, and the possible role (if any) of the original characters, all topics of discussion among fans.
The Truth is Still Out There
All in all, regardless of whether The X-Files reboot will turn out to be a successful comeback of the franchise or not, it has already demonstrated that the truth and the narratives we tell about it are still significant.
And that’s possibly the most alluring aspect of all for both new and devoted fans.
