Ryan Coogler Confirms ‘X-Files Reboot’ Is Next, in Talks with Gillian Anderson to Return as Scully

April 19, 2025: After the success of Sinner, director Ryan Coogler is officially moving forward with his next big project: a reboot of The X-Files series. In a recent interview on Last Podcast on the Left, as quoted by Variety, Coogler confirmed that the reboot is at the top of his slate, and he’s “fired up” to dive into the supernatural world of Mulder and Scully.

“I’ve been excited about that for a long time, and I’m fired up to get back to it. Some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really f***ing scary,” said Coogler.

Originally reported in 2023, Coogler’s involvement was teased by series creator Chris Carter, who had discussions with the director about reviving the iconic ’90s paranormal drama. The original X-Files series ran from 1993 to 2001 and starred David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. It was later revived in 2016 and 2018.

Coogler also revealed he has spoken with Gillian Anderson about potentially returning to the reboot. Though she’s currently busy working on Jared Leto’s upcoming Tron: Ares, Coogler remains hopeful. “She’s incredible and fingers crossed there. We’re going to try to make something really great, bro, and make something for the real X-Files fans and maybe find some new ones,” he added.

The reboot is being developed under Coogler’s overall deal with Walt Disney Television and promises to offer a fresh perspective while honoring the original’s legacy.

Coogler has a strong track record of reviving classic franchises. He directed Creed in 2015, breathing new life into the Rocky series, and helmed Black Panther (2018) and its sequel Wakanda Forever (2022), both critically acclaimed entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His most recent release, Sinners, an R-rated vampire thriller, marked his first original concept and has already garnered early praise from both audiences and critics.