'Sinners' director Ryan Coogler teases 'X-Files' reboot; Hopes to bring back Gillian Anderson

Ryan Coogler has announced his next big project will be a reboot of the classic sci-fi series 'The X-Files'. This comes just a day after the director released his vampire thriller 'Sinners.' In an interview wtith Last Podcast on the Left, the director who also helmed 'Black Panther', showed eagerness for the revival, vowing episodes that "will be really f***ing scary" if done right.
Coogler plans to reboot the 1990s paranormal investigative series with a new vision. Original creator Chris Carter earlier stated Coogler's vision features a "diverse cast," a break from the original series' format.
Though details are kept under wraps, Carter assured in 2023 that the reboot would be an outright reboot of the franchise, different from recent revivals. Coogler has already begun talks with Gillian Anderson, who played Agent Dana Scully for 11 seasons. "She's amazing and fingers crossed there," he said, suggesting her possible involvement.
Anderson, who left the series in 2018, recently called Coogler "a bit of a genius" in a 2024 TODAY interview, hinting she could "pop in for a little something something" if the project is right. Chris Carter clarified he will not be creatively involved but endorsed Coogler’s approach, stating, “They don’t need my blessing… I’m honoured they came to me.”
However, Carter previously cautioned that the reboot could face challenges due to the original’s expansive mythology, which covered “so much territory.” Coogler’s reboot, in development since at least 2021, will stream under Disney’s umbrella, though a specific platform and release timeline remain unconfirmed.
With 'Sinners' currently playing and expected to open with a $40 million+ weekend, Coogler will move directly into 'The X-Files' following promotional responsibilities. The venture is a departure from his Marvel obligations, although 'Black Panther 3' is still on his long-term docket. Coogler prioritized a horror-driven tone, hoping to provide stand-alone episodes that pay homage to the original's legacy while offering fresh frights.
The first 'X-Files,' with Anderson and David Duchovny, ran 1993–2002, returning in 2016 and 2018. Coogler's version has big expectations to meet, making nostalgia and innovation balance a priority, especially with adding more representation—a hallmark of his other work.