Director Ryan Coogler is bringing the classic 1990s TV series The X-Files back to the small screen with a reboot set to release on Hulu.
Debuting in 1993, The X-Files follows FBI agents Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) as they investigate the strangest and most unusual cases the Bureau can find. Mixing thrilling paranormal stories with a twisting plot about government conspiracies, The X-Files became one of the cultural institutions of TV in the ’90s and continues to have a strong fan base over three decades later.
The X-Files ran for nine seasons and even jumped to the big screen with the 1998 film of the same name. However, seasons 8 and 9 disappointed longtime fans, since David Duchovny’s Agent Mulder left after The X-Files season 7, and Gillian Anderson’s Agent Scully followed suit after season 8.
Through a myriad of spinoffs, comic books, and various other forms of media, The X-Files lived on even after it was canceled. A two-season revival in 2016 brought the classic characters back, but now Black Panther director Ryan Coogler has an all-new vision for the franchise.
Hulu Officially Confirmed The X-Files Reboot Is Happening
The reboot of The X-Files was first announced in 2023, and the news came from an unexpected source. Original series creator Chris Carter let the cat out of the bag while being interviewed on a podcast, which spurred Disney and Ryan Coogler to acknowledge that a reboot of the classic ’90s show was in the works.
Early news around the series revealed that it would continue director Ryan Coogler’s trend of featuring a diverse cast, something the original series lacked. The series is envisioned as a reboot, not a revival like the case with The X-Files seasons 10 and 11, meaning it will follow original stories with new characters.
Who Is Making The X-Files Reboot
Though a reboot of The X-Files is an exciting prospect on its own, the project was announced with acclaimed director Ryan Coogler attached to helm. Coogler is perhaps best remembered for directing the MCU film Black Panther and its blockbuster sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. However, Coogler also helped launch the ever-popular Creed series when he directed and penned the eponymous first film.
More recently, Coogler wrote and directed the Oscar-nominated horror movie, Sinners. The filmmaker has since revealed that his version of The X-Files would be his next project following Sinners, so further updates on the update should ramp up.
Nearly a year after the project was accidentally announced, Chris Carter gave The X-Files reboot his blessing. He expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I’ve had a conversation with him. Yes, he likes to go with a diverse cast. And he’s got some good ideas.” Though Carter initially stated that he wouldn’t be involved with the reboot, it has since been confirmed that he will serve as an executive producer.
Aside from Coogler acting as the writer and director, Jennifer Yale will be the showrunner for Hulu’s The X-Files.
The X-Files Reboot Cast Details
Currently, there is no indication that any original X-Files stars will return for Coolger’s reboot. However, Gillian Anderson shared a disappointing update surrounding The X-Files reboot after previously revealing that she spoke to Coogler about the project. But that doesn’t mean returns for Anderson and Duchovny are completely out of the question.
With that said, Hulu’s confirmation that it ordered the pilot for Ryan Coogler’s The X-Files reboot also revealed that Danielle Deadwyler has been cast in a lead role. She will portray one of the FBI agents at the center of the series who takes over the division tasked with handling “X-Files” cases.
In 2025, actor Robert Patrick weighed in on what he would like to see with his The X-Files character if he were invited to return. Although the “reboot” status suggests that Coolger’s series won’t be a sequel and therefore won’t continue any established story, Patrick is eager to participate if it makes sense for the project. See Patrick’s full comment with ScreenRant below:
ScreenRant: Very final question, before I let you go, I love John Doggett in The X-Files.
Robert Patrick: That is my favorite character of all time!
ScreenRant: I’ve even written about him on the site, because I love him so much. They’re working on a new version. I know you’d be game to come back. But what’s something you would like to see if they do invite you to come back as John?
Robert Patrick: It’d interesting to see what’s happened to him in the elapsed time in between him being there and wherever they pick up. They’ve never had me back before, because of my schedule. I’ve always been too busy. But that’s the character that’s most dear to my heart, and what I loved about him was he was a very strong, tough guy, but had a heart of gold. That’s why he’s so dear to me.
The X-Files Reboot Story Details
Other than the fact that The X-Files reboot will follow a new set of FBI agents tackling cases linked to unexplained phenomena like the original, most story details have been kept under wraps. Granted, Ryan Coogler shared his plans for The X-Files reboot, stating that it will feature “both Monsters of the Week and the overarching conspiracy.”
10 Best 1990s Sci-Fi Shows, Ranked
The 1990s were a fascinating time for the sci-fi genre, revamping old mechanics and using new technology to change the way TV shows came to life.
While there’s no word on a release date for The X-Files reboot just yet, the streamer is quickly becoming the go-to for horror shows that first debuted in the ’90s that are now making a comeback. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale, the continuation of the hit drama, is expected to debut by the end of 2026. Hopefully, The X-Files won’t be too far behind.
- Release Date
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1993 – 2018-00-00
- Network
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FOX
- Showrunner
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Chris Carter