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The X-Files creator predicts Mulder and Scully will return for Ryan Coogler's much-anticipated reboot

"At least Gillian, I think, is going to appear in the Coogler version."

David Duchovny as Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Scully in The X-Files, with Mulder bracing himself against the wall as Scully listens intently on the phone.

Fox/Liaison via Getty Images

Published: Thursday, 13 August 2026 at 10:26 am

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We're still waiting for news on whether Sinners director Ryan Coogler's The X-Files reboot, the pilot for which has been shot, will be getting a full series run, but original series creator Chris Carter has now predicted a big development if it does.

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The reboot is set to star Himesh Patel and Danielle Deadwyler, with the duo playing original characters.

The synopsis for the reboot says: "Two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents (Deadwyler, Patel) form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena."

Given Patel and Deadwyler's castings, fans had wondered whether this meant original series stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson wouldn't be appearing as their characters Agent Mulder and Agent Scully. However, Carter has suggested that he believes they will show up after all.

Director Ryan Coogler attends the European premiere of "Sinners" at Cineworld Leicester Square on April 14, 2025 in London, England.

Ryan Coogler. Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures

Speaking with Polygon, Carter said: "At least Gillian, I think, is going to appear in the Coogler version. And I'm assuming David will too, so you will see Mulder and Scully there."

Carter was then asked whether the reboot would make a potential continuation of the original series, which he has long advocated, more complicated.

Carter said: "I don't know. When I see it, I'll know, and so will the Fox executives. They'll have a sense if these things are going to be in competition or if they are going to be complementary.

"I would love to do either another reboot, or another movie. My ideas going forward are big ideas. Whether they're a TV series or a movie, I don't know, but I have big plans."

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Anderson previously gave her approval to the reboot, saying she had spoken with Coogler and that "he's such a cool guy and so talented".

She continued: "The pilot script is really good. I would say, have an open mind and give it a chance because it's gonna be f**king cool. It's something different."

Carter is currently promoting his new director's cut of 2008 X-Files sequel film I Want To Believe, which will bump the film up from a PG-13 rating to an R rating (similar to changing from a 12A to a 15 in the UK), and will be called The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn.

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The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn will be released on Disney+ on 14 August. Sign-up to Disney+ from £5.99 a month.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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