By: Renae Richardson
Ryan Coogler is taking on one of science fiction television’s most recognizable franchises. Hulu has officially ordered his reimagining of The X-Files, moving the long-discussed reboot closer to reality and giving new momentum to a project that could introduce a different perspective on the beloved series. Following the success of Sinners, the announcement puts Coogler’s next genre venture in the spotlight, though key details about the reboot remain under wraps.
Revisiting a Television Phenomenon
The 1990s delivered several television shows that helped define an era, but few cultivated the enduring fascination of The X-Files. Premiering on Fox in 1993, the science fiction series invited audiences into a world where government conspiracies, unexplained phenomena, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life challenged the boundaries of what people believed to be true.
Over the course of 11 seasons and 218 episodes, the series built a devoted following through its blend of mystery, suspense, horror, and mythology. Its original run concluded in 2002, followed by a revival that returned to television in 2016 and wrapped up in 2018. The franchise also expanded to the big screen with The X-Files: Fight the Future in 1998 and The X-Files: I Want to Believe in 2008.
With the conclusion of the original series and the passage of time, the prospect of returning to this corner of science fiction was hardly an obvious next step. That changed when Coogler expressed his desire to take on the intellectual property, introducing the possibility of a fresh interpretation of a franchise many viewers had come to associate with its original stars.
Why the Timing Has Fans Paying Attention
The success of Sinners offered audiences another glimpse into the range of stories Coogler can tell, making the subsequent announcement of his X-Files reboot all the more intriguing. The film’s blend of supernatural horror, cultural identity, and historical context demonstrated how genre storytelling can explore ideas beyond its central premise.
That makes the X-Files announcement an interesting prospect, though the reboot’s creative direction remains largely under wraps. The franchise has always occupied the space between science and the supernatural, asking audiences to consider what happens when established beliefs collide with the unexplained. Coogler’s previous work suggests an appreciation for storytelling that pairs atmosphere and suspense with meaningful cultural and human observations. Whether those sensibilities will translate into a compelling new chapter remains to be seen. There is also a personal connection behind the filmmaker’s interest in the property. Coogler has spoken about his mother’s love of the original series, offering another layer of context for his decision to revisit a show that left a distinct mark on popular culture.
A New Pair of Agents, A Different Perspective
Himesh Patel and Danielle Deadwyler. Image Source: Nat Jamieson/Deadline
Reimagining an established property comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when the original series has spent decades building an audience invested in its characters. Casting, therefore, becomes more than a matter of finding the right performers. It also signals the direction a new creative team intends to take. As Blexmedia reported,
“With the series now formally moving forward, this marks a concrete commitment from Hulu to a reboot that reworks a franchise built around two white leads into a story centered on new characters played by a Black woman and a South Asian man, a notable bet given how much of the franchise’s built-in audience remains tied to Mulder and Scully specifically.”
Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel are set to star as two FBI agents assigned to a long-shuttered division tasked with investigating unexplained phenomena. Rather than recasting Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, the series will introduce entirely new characters, opening the door to a different perspective on the franchise’s familiar mysteries.
The decision offers an opportunity to expand the world of The X-Files without relying solely on the legacy of its original leads. However, introducing new characters into such a recognizable property also presents a challenge: the reboot will need to establish its own identity while acknowledging the elements that made the original series resonate with audiences.
Shooting for the Big Screen, Even on Television
Ryan Coogler. Image Source: AB + DM; Barber: Jalon Webster; (Courtsey of The Hollywood Reporter)
Beyond the casting and creative direction, one early production detail has already drawn attention. As No Film School reported,
“But the real news is that Coogler and his Director of Photography, Autumn Durald Arkapaw (fresh off her Oscar for Sinners), chose to shoot the entire pilot on 65mm.”
The choice is notable because 65mm film is associated with large-scale cinematic productions, offering a visual format that can deliver exceptional detail and an expansive image. Applying that approach to a television pilot signals an ambitious visual direction, even if the finished result has yet to be seen.
No Film School further noted,
“It’s an expensive format to shoot a pilot on, and other than Euphoria, no one else has ever shot 65mm on TV. We’re entering unprecedented territory, and the idea of cinematic TV can be redefined into shooting a format we usually just see in IMAX.”
The decision could give the reboot a distinctive visual identity, particularly for a story built around eerie encounters, unsettling discoveries, and the tension between what can be explained and what remains beyond human understanding. Still, the format alone cannot guarantee an effective viewing experience. Its ultimate impact will depend on how the cinematography serves the story, atmosphere, and performances.
The Truth Is Still Out There, and Coogler Is Ready to Find It
Taking on The X-Files means stepping into a world shaped by decades of audience investment, iconic characters, and mysteries that helped define science fiction television. The reboot now has the opportunity to build on that legacy while introducing a new cast and a different perspective. Deadwyler and Patel’s casting, along with the decision to shoot the pilot on 65mm film, offers an early indication of the project’s direction. But the real test will be whether the series can capture the tension and curiosity that made the original distinctive while giving viewers a reason to invest in its new characters.
For now, audiences will have to wait for more details about the series and its eventual arrival. Hulu’s decision to move forward makes the reboot a more concrete prospect, but much remains unknown about how this new chapter will unfold. For a franchise built around the unexplained, the questions surrounding its return may be fitting. The truth, as ever, is still out there.
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