Ryan Coogler’s New X-Files Reboot Script Gets First Reaction From Gillian Anderson

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Gillian Anderson is weighing in on Ryan Coogler’s planned X-Files reboot.

After years of rumors and small hints, Ryan Coogler’s planned revival of the classic sci-fi show made significant progress at Hulu this February. The pilot episode stars Danielle Deadwyler, known for her role in The Woman in the Yard, and was written and directed by Coogler himself, building excitement for the project.

During an interview with Dory Jackson at Awesome Con in March, Gillian Anderson discussed the potential new X-Files series. She shared that she’d read a script for the pilot episode from Ryan Coogler and thought it was “something different,” offering high praise for his work.

We’ve talked about it a bit. He’s a really great and talented person, and the first episode is very well-written. I think you should go into it with an open mind and give it a chance – it’s going to be amazing! It’s something truly different and special, so I recommend checking it out.

Anderson’s X-Files Script Comments Might Tease A New Role For Her

While details are still under wraps, the upcoming series will follow two top FBI agents – who are very different from each other – as they team up to investigate strange and unexplained cases in a previously closed-off division of the Bureau. They’ll form an unexpected partnership while tackling these unusual investigations.

The new series builds on the foundation of the original while recreating the memorable partnership between Mulder and Scully. Janelle Monáe, who has received praise for her roles in films like Till and The Piano Lesson, is currently the only confirmed cast member. It’s unknown whether she will play the character who readily believes in the unexplained, similar to Mulder, or a more skeptical character like Scully.

If the show moves forward with a full season, Jennifer Yale, who has written for Dexter and Legion, will be in charge. However, as the recent Buffy reboot on Hulu demonstrated – even with an acclaimed director like Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao – a well-known show getting a second chance isn’t always successful. The new X-Files is still just a pilot, and the network could ultimately decide not to order a full series.

This is the most information Anderson has shared so far about the planned revival of the show. Her recent discussions with Ryan Coogler, fresh off his Oscar success with Sinners, suggest there’s a possibility her character, Scully, could be involved. However, it’s still very early in the pilot stage and nothing is confirmed yet.

Ryan Coogler’s X-Files Being “Different” Will Be The Franchise’s Biggest Risk In Almost 20 Years

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Ryan Coogler has given fans a preview of the upcoming revival of The X-Files. He’s explained that the new series will include both standalone episodes featuring strange creatures and a season-long storyline. While Coogler, known for directing Black Panther and Creed, hasn’t revealed the details of this overarching plot, it might move away from the original series’ emphasis on aliens.

Honestly, I think a fresh start might be exactly what The X-Files needs. As much as I loved the original, all that backstory and mythology started to feel… heavy, even for a dedicated fan like me. Yes, a new take is a gamble – some longtime viewers might not be thrilled. But it’s also exciting! Knowing Ryan Coogler, a really gifted director who genuinely loves the show as it was in the nineties, is involved gives me hope for some truly amazing episodes.

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2026-03-24 23:01