Hulu is officially moving forward with the revival of The X-Files, casting Danielle Deadwyler in one of the lead roles. The highly anticipated series will feature Ryan Coogler, known for his acclaimed work on Sinners and the Black Panther franchise, as both writer and director for the pilot episode, which has already received a green light.
The new series presents an intriguing take on the classic premise, centering around two distinguished FBI agents with contrasting personalities who forge an unanticipated partnership within a previously dormant division focused on unexplained cases. This evolution of the show’s premise differentiates it from the original series that debuted in 1993, which followed Agent Scully, played by Gillian Anderson, as she assisted Agent Mulder, portrayed by David Duchovny, in validating paranormal occurrences.
Jennifer Yale, recognized for her work on See and The Copenhagen Test, will take on the role of showrunner, ensuring that the show maintains a fresh perspective while staying true to its roots. Original creator Chris Carter will serve as a non-writing executive producer, alongside Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler, who are part of Coogler’s Proximity Media.
Coogler’s involvement is a remarkable addition for Hulu, particularly following the success of Sinners, which garnered 16 Oscar nominations and was celebrated as one of last year’s surprise hits.
Danielle Deadwyler, who has made significant strides with her roles in The Woman in the Yard and Netflix’s adaptation of The Piano Lesson, where she received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, is also set to feature in HBO’s upcoming third season of Euphoria and a comedy series titled Rooster.
The revival of The X-Files comes at a time when interest in UFOs and alien phenomena is surging, reflected in increased congressional discussions on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, along with recent commentary from public figures including former presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Furthermore, Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film, Disclosure Day, targets themes reminiscent of The X-Files, enhancing the show’s relevance in today’s cultural landscape.
This new iteration of The X-Files not only rekindles excitement about the supernatural but also looks to explore contemporary issues surrounding belief, skepticism, and the mysteries of our universe.