David Duchovny Uncertain About New 'X-Files' Reboot

The original series star says he hasn't read the script and believes adapting the show is a 'hard job'.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:08pm

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and reflective metal surfaces, creating an abstract, high-contrast texture that evokes the moody, investigative tone of the 'X-Files' franchise.The gritty, high-contrast textures of the 'X-Files' reboot aim to capture the franchise's enduring mystery and paranormal intrigue.Washington Today

David Duchovny, who starred as Fox Mulder in the original 'X-Files' series, says he has not read the script for the planned reboot of the show and is uncertain about the new take on the franchise. Duchovny praised the reboot's director, Ryan Coogler, as 'super talented' but noted the challenges of adapting the show, which used to produce 24-25 episodes per season. Meanwhile, Duchovny's former co-star Gillian Anderson, who played Dana Scully, has read the pilot script and called it 'really good' and 'different' and 'special'.

Why it matters

The 'X-Files' was a hugely popular and influential sci-fi series that ran for nine seasons in the 1990s and early 2000s, spawning two feature films. The planned reboot, led by acclaimed director Ryan Coogler, is highly anticipated by fans, so Duchovny's uncertainty about the project and comments on the challenges of adapting the show provide interesting insight into the difficulties of reviving a beloved franchise.

The details

Duchovny, 65, told TV Insider that he has not read the script for the 'X-Files' reboot and doesn't know what it's about. He praised Coogler as 'super talented' but noted the original series had to produce 24-25 episodes per season, which he called 'a hell of a burden on a writer's room.' Duchovny said he hopes the reboot team 'can do it' but acknowledged 'it's a hard job.' Meanwhile, Duchovny's former co-star Gillian Anderson, 57, said she has read the pilot script and found it 'really good' and 'different' and 'special.'

  • In April 2025, director Ryan Coogler confirmed he was spearheading an 'X-Files' reboot.
  • In February 2026, it was reported that Danielle Deadwyler was the first person cast in the pilot, and Himesh Patel was added to the cast a month later.

The players

David Duchovny

The 65-year-old actor who starred as FBI agent Fox Mulder in the original 'X-Files' series.

Gillian Anderson

The 57-year-old actress who starred as FBI agent Dana Scully opposite Duchovny in the original 'X-Files' series.

Ryan Coogler

The acclaimed 39-year-old director who is spearheading the 'X-Files' reboot.

Chris Carter

The creator of the original 'X-Files' series.

Danielle Deadwyler

The first person cast in the pilot for the 'X-Files' reboot.

Himesh Patel

An actor reportedly added to the cast of the 'X-Files' reboot a month after Deadwyler.

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What they’re saying

“I haven't read it. I don't know what it's about.”

— David Duchovny, Actor

“I've always thought the original frame Chris Carter created all those years ago was endless. It's as endless as these stories. You have a believer and nonbeliever and the way they push each other and that's the frame of the show. It's kind of eternal.”

— David Duchovny, Actor

“I hope they can do it. Much of it depends on the writer's room with the stories.”

— David Duchovny, Actor

“We've had a few conversations. And 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.”

— Gillian Anderson, Actress

“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.”

— Gillian Anderson, Actress

What’s next

The new 'X-Files' reboot is currently in development, with the pilot script completed and the first cast members announced. Fans will have to wait for more details on the project's progress and an official release date.

The takeaway

The planned 'X-Files' reboot faces significant challenges in adapting the beloved sci-fi series, which originally produced a high volume of episodes per season. While the original stars express uncertainty or cautious optimism, the reboot's creative team, led by acclaimed director Ryan Coogler, will need to find a way to capture the spirit of the show while updating it for a modern audience.