We are huge fans of Gillian Anderson and the X-files. Partly because we’ve grown up with her sharp brain and her amazing acting. But also part of the mysteries this series unravelled in the most exciting TV show of all time – due to our estimation. So, the truth is still out there, and Gillian Anderson is hinting at a thrilling new chapter for The X-Files. The iconic actress, who brought FBI Agent Dana Scully to life across 11 seasons and two feature films, recently sparked excitement among fans by teasing her potential involvement in a reboot spearheaded by acclaimed director Ryan Coogler. While promoting her latest project, Anderson shared intriguing details about her conversations with Coogler, leaving the door open for a return to the beloved sci-fi franchise.
Gillian Anderson Teases Potential Return for ‘X-Files’ Reboot: A New Chapter Awaits
In a recent appearance on ITV1’s This Morning, Anderson confirmed she’s spoken with Coogler, whose recent horror hit Sinners has solidified his reputation as a visionary filmmaker. “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,’” Anderson revealed, per Digital Spy. Her enthusiasm for Coogler’s involvement is palpable, as she previously called him “a bit of a genius” on the Today show in 2024, praising his ability to reimagine the X-Files universe.
Coogler, known for directing Black Panther and Creed, is reportedly diving into the X-Files reboot as his next project following the success of Sinners. In an interview on Last Podcast on the Left, he expressed his lifelong passion for the series and his ambition to craft episodes that are “really f—ing scary”. While details about the reboot remain scarce, Coogler has hinted at a diverse cast and a continuation of the original show’s continuity, rather than a complete overhaul. This approach suggests that familiar faces like Scully could return, possibly alongside new FBI agents tackling paranormal mysteries.
We (really) Want to Believe!
Anderson’s comments mark a significant shift from her previous stance. After the 2018 revival season, she declared she was done with Scully, citing dissatisfaction with the character’s direction. However, Coogler’s involvement seems to have rekindled her interest. “At some point, if the phone rings and it’s good and it feels like the right time, perhaps,” she said on This Morning, remaining coy but optimistic. Her willingness to consider reprising Scully—potentially in a starring role or a cameo—has fans buzzing with anticipation.
The X-Files, which originally aired from 1993 to 2002, became a cultural phenomenon for its blend of paranormal investigations, government conspiracies, and the dynamic interplay between Anderson’s skeptical Scully and David Duchovny’s believer, Fox Mulder. The series spawned two films, 1998’s The X-Files and 2008’s The X-Files: I Want to Believe, and returned for revival seasons in 2016 and 2018. Coogler’s reboot, first reported in March 2023, will move forward without series creator Chris Carter’s direct involvement, though Carter has endorsed Coogler’s vision after a “really nice conversation”.
Speculation is rife about whether Duchovny might also return as Mulder, especially if Scully is involved. While Coogler hasn’t confirmed discussions with Duchovny, Anderson’s openness suggests the possibility of a nostalgic reunion. Fans are also eager to see how Coogler’s knack for crafting three-dimensional characters and tackling complex themes, as seen in Black Panther and Sinners, will translate to the X-Files’ eerie, conspiracy-laden world.
As Anderson herself put it, “The truth is out there”. Whether she’ll don Scully’s trench coat again remains uncertain, but her endorsement of Coogler as the “perfect person” to helm the reboot has ignited hope for a fresh, thrilling take on The X-Files. With Coogler at the helm and Anderson teasing a potential return, the franchise seems poised to captivate a new generation while honoring its loyal fanbase. For now, fans will have to wait for that phone to ring—and hope Scully answers the call.
