Gillian Anderson on The X-Files reboot: ‘I’m not saying no’

It’s been over 30 years since The X-Files first debuted on television screens, and yet the cult show is arguably more relevant than ever. In our post-truth age, misinformation is rife, aliens have entered the mainstream, and conspiracy theories are around every corner, from fashion campaigns, to Kate Middleton’s public disappearance, and beyond. 

Last December, it was confirmed that the show would be returning as a reboot in ”the near future” with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler at the helm. While Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, who starred as Dana Scully and Fox Mulders in the original show, have previously expressed mixed feelings about a remake, it seems the possibility for a reunion might now actually be on the cards.

Speaking on Today, Gillian Anderson has expressed interest in returning to the show. “For most of my life since I finished The X-Files, every interview, people have asked and the answer has always been, ‘no, it’s not gonna happen’. Now, Ryan Kugler, who is the director of Black Panther, approached Chris Carter to say he wants to do a take on it. I cannot think of a better way for a reboot to happen,” she said. “I‘m not saying no because I think he’s really cool and I think he’s a bit of a genius.”

Developed by Disney, it’s still unclear whether the remake will continue on from the OG series or reimagine the show for a new audience. That said, creator Chris Carter mentioned on a podcast last year, “We’re so steeped in conspiracies now. The X Files dealt with a central conspiracy, but now the world is so full of conspiracies that I think that it would be a different show.” 

Clearly, the idea of Anderson returning to the show is exciting news for fans, though this won’t be the first time a 90s show has tried its hand at a remake – and failed. Last year, the hotly-anticipated The L-Word: Generation Q announced that it would not be renewed for a fourth season, while a recent trailer for The Crow has left fans feeling horrified (even the film’s original director has spoken out against it). But surely the collaboration between Carter and Coogler is enough evidence to suggest that the chances of a flop are looking slim? Or at least that’s what “I want to believe”.