The X-Files may be getting yet another revival, this time under the watch of Ryan Coogler. However, Coogler’s take on the franchise is expected to introduce a new pair of central characters, though they bear some similarities to FBI legends Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Details on the reboot remain scarce, but whispers of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson potentially returning have swirled around. While we wait to see whether Coogler can pull off a reunion, his reboot may not be the only way Mulder and Scully could return. New details surrounding a potential Season 12 of The X-Files have emerged, and there’s reason to believe the iconic duo isn’t quite done yet.
Chris Carter, the creator behind the iconic sci-fi series, has been busy revisiting The X-Files himself while promoting his new director’s cut of the franchise’s 2008 standalone movie, The X-Files: I Want to Believe. Working on the new cut, subtitled Vrach Frankenshteyn, has sparked in Carter a desire to continue Mulder and Scully’s story. He recently confirmed in an interview with Collider that he would be interested in continuing The X-Files, provided the timing is right. Explaining that he has no intention of stepping on Coogler’s toes, Carter expressed “complete respect for him and his vision” and wants any continuation of his story to coexist without conflicting with the upcoming reboot.
Now, Carter has revealed during an appearance on Seriously Obsessed with Annie and Jenn that he’s already let Duchovny and Anderson in on his ideas and plans, and is working toward getting them back. Carter made it clear that he has no interest in continuing the series without its two iconic leads, saying, “I mean I can’t and don’t want to do it without them.” He explained that he has separately met with both Duchovny and Anderson to discuss what he has in mind, even though neither actor was aware of his plans when the series last came to an end in 2018. “I’ve already teased it to David, and I’ve teased it to Gillian, but they’re very busy people,” Carter explained. “They’ve got lots going on. They know what I’m aiming for and at, and they didn’t before when the show came to an end there.”
Ryan Coogler’s Reboot Could Be the Key to Bringing Mulder and Scully Back
Coogler’s upcoming reboot could unexpectedly work in Carter’s favor to help bring back the iconic duo. Carter has made it clear that he doesn’t want his plans for Mulder and Scully to interfere with what Coogler is building, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the two projects have to exist in isolation. A brief appearance from Duchovny and Anderson in the reboot could give fans an update on where Mulder and Scully are now while potentiallycreating a natural path toward continuing their story elsewhere. It could even allow Carter to address some of the lingering issues from Season 11 without forcing Coogler’s new series to carry that baggage.
There is, of course, plenty of skepticism surrounding a reboot ofThe X-Files with different characters from what fans have followed for decades. But bringing back the franchise’s original stars, even briefly, could be the perfect way to bridge the old and new versions of the series. “I really want to see what he’s doing, and I don’t want to take away from it in any way,” Carter told Collider. That leaves the door open to a scenario where Carter and Coogler’s respective takes onThe X-Files could potentially benefit one another.
For now, though, fans will have to wait and see whether Carter’s plans for Mulder and Scully ever make it beyond the idea stage. Carter’s newly releasedVrach Frankenshteyn cut ofThe X-Files: I Want to Believe is available to stream on Hulu. Stay tuned for future updates.
