The X-Files Reimagined: What’s New?
Ryan Coogler, celebrated for his work on Sinners, recently took on the challenge of rebooting The X-Files. Hulu has committed to filming a pilot episode, signaling a bold new chapter in the story of unexplained government secrets and paranoia. This isn’t just a remake—Coogler aims to put his unique spin on the world Chris Carter created.
The original X-Files, starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny as agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, began on Fox in 1993 and ran until 2002. It received revival seasons in 2016 and 2018, alongside two movies in 1998 and 2008. The new project stands on those broad shoulders, promising to extend the mythos for a new generation.
On the Happy Sad Confused podcast in December 2025, Coogler called The X-Files “one of the most beautiful American television shows ever made,” and praised its legacy of excellent writers—highlighting Vince Gilligan, who went on to create Breaking Bad. Coogler also noted the original’s influence on duos from later TV shows, such as True Detective.
Who’s Joining the Cast?
The cast for the new X-Files pilot is filled with notable talent. Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire) is among the guest stars, joined by Oscar winner Amy Madigan (Weapons), Ben Foster (Leave No Trace), Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs), Lochlyn Munro, Tantoo Cardinal, Joel D. Montgrand, and Sofia Grace Clifton, as reported by Deadline.
But the spotlight is firmly on Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel, who lead the reboot as original characters—not as new incarnations of Scully and Mulder. Deadwyler and Patel, who both appeared in the acclaimed 2021 HBO Max series Station Eleven, have an established on-screen chemistry. Deadwyler is known for standout performances in Rooster, Watchmen, The Piano Lesson, and Till. Patel also brings notable dramatic experience, positioning the new leads for the complex cases ahead.
What’s the Premise?
According to an official logline, Deadwyler and Patel will play “two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents” who form an unexpected partnership when they’re assigned to a long-shuttered division handling cases of unexplained phenomena. The precise connection to the original show’s timeline isn’t clear. In the revival, the X-Files division was shuttered again in 2018—eight years before this new story takes place—leaving speculation about whether the reboot will continue in the same universe or strike out in a new direction.
Long-time viewers can expect the signature X-Files structure to remain. Coogler has said both the conspiracy-driven story arcs and the self-contained “monster of the week” episodes will return: “It wouldn't be X-Files if we didn't do both. We intend on having both monsters of the week and also the overarching conspiracy,” he stated on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
Filming for the pilot began in May in Vancouver, the city where the original series was shot for its first five seasons and during the 2010s revival. Director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the city, rekindling a sense of atmospheric nostalgia for fans.
Behind the Scenes—and the Possible Return of Mulder & Scully
Coogler isn’t just the creative lead; he’s also executive producing, joined by Francine Maisler (casting director), Autumn Durald Arkapaw (cinematographer), original creator Chris Carter (as a non-writing executive producer), Sev Ohanian, and Zinzi Coogler.
Chris Carter first revealed the existence of the reboot in 2023, emphasizing Coogler’s plans for a more diverse cast and acknowledging the magnitude of the task. “He’s got his work cut out for him, because we covered so much territory,” Carter said. He later described his discussions with Coogler as “really nice conversations.”
Coogler sought input from Vince Gilligan, who offered detailed advice on approaching the series’ complex mythology. “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,” Coogler told The Hollywood Reporter.
The project holds personal meaning for Coogler, who has credited his mother’s love for the show as inspiration for the reboot. He told Variety, “The X-Files is one of those things with my mom. My mom means the world to me…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.”
As for the original stars, no official announcements have been made regarding cameo appearances. However, both Anderson and Duchovny have spoken with Coogler. In March 2026, Anderson told audiences at Awesome Con, “The pilot script is really good. I would say, have an open mind and give it a chance, because it's gonna be f—ing cool. It really is.” She described Coogler as “such a cool guy, and so talented.”
Duchovny told The Hollywood Reporter in April that he hadn’t seen the script but had wished the team luck: “It’s a great frame that Chris Carter came up with all those years ago—a believer and a nonbeliever tackling these mysteries. I always thought it was endlessly generative.” Anderson, meanwhile, has teased the prospect of appearing, hinting on the Today show in April 2024, “Maybe I’ll pop in for a little somethin’ somethin’.”
With a fresh vision from Coogler, beloved contributors, and an all-new cast, The X-Files reboot is setting out to respect the original while charting unknown territory. The only mystery left? Just when audiences will finally get to believe once more.
You left out the part about this being the most exciting version of the X-files. You did not list a single reason why this may be worth watching. Other than Ryan Coogler is a fan of the original.