The X-Files is Being Rebooted and We’re Here for it!

I apparently missed the 2023 memo that The X-Files is getting a reboot.  Tonight, though, I couldn’t help but notice that all the entertainment news outlets are abuzz with the news confirming that Ryan Coogler will be directing the new incarnation of what was one of my absolute favorite 1990s television shows.

The X-Files first aired in 1993. This spooky, alien invasion/government conspiracy story captured the hearts of many who were fascinated with the question of whether there is intelligent life out there in the universe—myself included.

Gillian Anderson, who played the brilliant and doubtful Dana Scully and David Duchovny, who played the tenacious FBI agent and alien conspiracy believer whose little sister was abducted by aliens when he was a child had great odd-couple chemistry on screen.

I must admit, that I didn’t watch, at the very least, the last three seasons on The X-Files. Unfortunately, I’m learning now that the story met the same fate as shows such as Fringe and Lost, whereby the plot fizzled out and completely disappointed audiences in the end.

“I want to believe”

While I’m disappointed to learn that one of my old favorites ultimately disappointed, I still feel nostalgic about the X-files. That iconic “I want to believe” UFO (yes, back then UAPs were still called UFOs) poster still strikes a chord within me whenever I see it.

Now I’m thinking of revisiting the earlier seasons of the original show.

I was a little unnerved to learn that David Duchovny departed from the series a few seasons before it ended. I can’t even imagine what two or so seasons without key character, Mulder, would have been like. I don’t think that I want to find out.

With the blessing of Chris Carter—creator of the original X-Files series, Coogler’s reboot promises a diverse cast and more potent scares. Gillian Anderson, it seems, has indicated that Dana Scully will return to The X-Files. David Duchovny, on the other hand, wishes the project well but does not seem to have any involvement in the reboot.

According to Vulture.com and several other outlets, Coogler’s mother is a massive fan of the original X-Files series, and he wants to reboot her beloved series. More importantly, he seems to want to do better justice to the project than was done with the original series. Personally, I don’t doubt that he will.