With Sinners still making waves in cinemas, acclaimed director Ryan Coogler has confirmed his next high-profile project — a reboot of the iconic sci-fi series The X-Files. And according to Coogler himself, fans should prepare to be terrified.
Appearing on Last Podcast On The Left, Coogler shared that he’s officially diving into development of the new series. “I’m working on X-Files. That’s what’s immediately next,” he revealed. “Some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really fucking scary.”
A Reimagining of a Sci-Fi Classic
Originally created by Chris Carter, The X-Files ran for nine seasons between 1993 and 2002, with two additional seasons in 2016 and 2018. Now, Coogler — known for reinvigorating IPs like Creed and Black Panther — is set to reimagine the conspiracy-laden universe for a new generation.
The reboot will reportedly move beyond the central characters of Mulder and Scully, but that could change. Coogler revealed he’s already spoken with Gillian Anderson, saying “She’s incredible and fingers crossed” that she might return in some form. Anderson is currently wrapping work on Tron: Ares.
While David Duchovny has not yet been mentioned, the potential for legacy cameos is now tantalizingly open. Coogler emphasized, “We’re going to try to make something really great, bro — for the real X-Files fans and maybe find some new ones.”
Chris Carter Gives His Blessing
Chris Carter won’t be directly involved, but he’s given Coogler his full support. In a September 2024 interview with Inverse, Carter said, “I’m looking forward to seeing what somebody else does with it.”
The reboot will be developed under Coogler’s overall deal with Walt Disney Television, meaning it’s likely to stream on Hulu and Disney+, where the original series is currently available.
What Coogler Brings to The X-Files
Coogler’s unique storytelling style — blending intimate human drama with larger social and historical themes — makes him an exciting fit for a modern X-Files. His most recent film Sinners proves he can handle supernatural horror with artistry and depth.
In Sinners, Michael B. Jordan stars as twin brothers who return to Mississippi after hustling in 1920s Chicago, only to confront a community plagued by vampires. The film mixes blues music, African American folklore, and political allegory — a signature of Coogler’s layered storytelling.
“Sinners is first and foremost a film about music,” our review noted. “Coogler shows that blues is not only a link to the past but a spiritual conduit between worlds.” One breathtaking sequence even blends anachronistic visuals and sound to symbolize music’s transformative power.
Will Michael B. Jordan Join the X-Files?
Coogler has cast Michael B. Jordan in all his major projects, from Fruitvale Station to Creed and Black Panther. Could he become part of the X-Files universe next? It’s unconfirmed — but fans are already buzzing at the prospect.
A Bold New Chapter
With Coogler at the helm, this reboot won’t just be a nostalgia trip — it promises to be a bold reimagining for 2025 audiences. Expect a fresh perspective, deeper mythology, and yes, real scares.
As Coogler put it best: “We want to make something for the fans — something that’s actually scary.” For long-time X-Philes and newcomers alike, that’s music to our ears.
In our review, we said: “Sinners is first and foremost a film about music, specifically the blues. By establishing it as a sort of magical conduit between worlds but also across time, Coogler shows that blues music is not only a precious connection to the past and a reminder of post-slavery resilience but also a future refuge that can be exploited. In one virtuoso sequence, the director literalizes the power of music as a connecting ritual through visual and auditory anachronism; it’s an extended sequence destined to be one of 2025’s most spellbinding and memorable shots.” Read the full review here.
The original X-Files is streaming on Hulu and Disney+. If you’re an X-Files newbie, check out our ranking of the show’s best episodes.
The truth is still out there. And Coogler is coming for it.
Streaming Details: The original X-Files series is now available on Hulu and Disney+.
