By Nicolas Ayala
Ryan Coogler, the creative powerhouse behind Black Panther, Creed, and now the R-rated supernatural hit Sinners, is about to dive into one of TV’s most mythic properties: The X-Files. With Coogler confirming that the long-anticipated reboot is “immediately next” on his plate, fans of the paranormal detective series may finally have a reason to believe again. And based on Coogler’s track record, this isn’t just hype — it’s a promise of something genuinely next-level.
Coogler’s bold vision for The X-Files could redefine the classic series
In a recent appearance on Last Podcast on the Left, Coogler didn’t just tease his involvement in The X-Files—he hyped it up. “Some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really f—king scary,” he said, channeling the same energy that made Black Panther and Sinners resonate so deeply with audiences. This isn’t about nostalgia fishing; this is about reimagining a world where the unexplained still feels unsettling in 2024.
Coogler’s approach to storytelling has always balanced emotional depth with genre-savvy flair. Whether it was bringing grief and hope to the Creed ring or turning Wakanda Forever into a cultural milestone, he’s proven he can honor the past while pushing into new territory. Now, with The X-Files, he has the chance to do the same for a series that defined ’90s sci-fi television.
Gillian Anderson’s involvement remains uncertain, but optimism is high
One of the biggest questions hanging over the reboot is whether Dana Scully will return to unravel mysteries alongside Fox Mulder—or in some new capacity. While Coogler stops short of confirming Gillian Anderson’s full involvement, his comments reveal that he’s already been in touch with the actress. “I’ve spoken to the great Gillian… fingers crossed there,” he said, noting that he’s eager to see her in Tron: Ares, just as she is in her own career renaissance.
Anderson herself has teased the possibility, calling Coogler “a bit of a genius” and admitting she might “pop in for a little something something.” It’s not a guarantee, but it’s enough to ignite fan speculation—and Coogler’s careful optimism suggests he knows the weight her presence would carry for the legacy audience.
Creating something for legacy fans while winning over new believers
What separates Coogler’s involvement from previous attempts to revive The X-Files is his clear desire to serve the original fanbase while also courting a new generation. “We’re gonna try to make something really great, bro, and really be something for the real X-Files fans, and maybe find some new ones,” he said. That balance—between reverence and innovation—is where Coogler shines the most.
Chris Carter, the original creator of The X-Files, has described Coogler’s plan as one that includes a more diverse cast and a modern lens on the paranormal. In a world now saturated with conspiracy theories, alien talk, and government distrust, the show's original formula of skepticism vs. belief needs a reinvention—and Coogler seems ready to deliver it.
From Sinners to supernatural scares—Coogler’s genre mastery is on full display
Sinners, Coogler’s latest original project, didn’t just give him a chance to play with genre mechanics—it gave him a platform to experiment with tone, atmosphere, and myth-making. The vampire thriller’s strong box office debut and enthusiastic fan response prove that Coogler isn’t just playing it safe with existing IPs like Black Panther and Creed. He’s actively pushing genre storytelling forward.
That same energy is what makes the X-Files reboot so exciting. This isn’t just a nostalgic return to Mulder and Scully’s world—it’s a chance to explore the paranormal through Coogler’s lens. A lens that’s proven to be emotionally honest, culturally resonant, and downright thrilling.
The truth is still out there—and it’s in Coogler’s hands now
Whether Gillian Anderson suits up again as Scully, or whether the show forges a new path with a diverse cast investigating the unexplained, one thing is clear: Ryan Coogler isn’t interested in playing it safe. He’s looking to make The X-Files what it always aimed to be—mind-blowing, eerie, and emotionally real. As he puts it, if they do their jobs right, some of those episodes will be really f—king scary.
And for a series that’s been hunting the truth for over three decades, that’s the kind of reinvention it desperately needs. With Coogler at the helm, the next chapter of The X-Files might just become its most iconic yet.