Ryan Coogler’s “The X-Files” Cast Its Second Star

The X-Files

March 28, 2026

News | TV

Written by Kelli Marchman McNeely

Kelli Marchman McNeely is the owner of HorrorFuel.com. She is an Executive Producer of "13 Slays Till Christmas" which is out on Digital and DVD and now streaming on Tubi. She has several other films in the works. Kelli is an animal lover and a true horror addict since the age of 9 when she saw Friday the 13th. Email: horrorfuelinfo@gmail.com

The truth is still out there, and apparently, it’s being developed at Hulu. While the original ’90s run turned “I Want to Believe” into a global mantra, Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Sinners) is officially bringing “The X-Files” into the 2020s. After three years of “will-they-won’t-they” development, the project has officially received a pilot order.

 

The New Agents in Town

If you are worried about someone trying to out-skeptic Dana Scully or out-believe Fox Mulder, you can breathe a sigh of relief. This isn’t a recast; it’s a “legacy sequel” featuring wholly new characters.

The reboot has tapped a powerhouse duo who already have proven chemistry from their time on Station Eleven. Danielle Deadwyler (Till, The Piano Lesson) was the first to board the project in late February. Now, Himesh Patel (Yesterday, Tenet) has officially joined as her partner.

 

The official logline describes them as “two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents” who form an unlikely bond when assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to unexplained phenomena. Whether Patel is the believer and Deadwyler is the skeptic—or vice versa—remains a mystery even the Smoking Man hasn’t solved yet.

Behind the Scenes: A Cultural Reunion

 Ryan Coogler is writing and directing the pilot. He’s noted that the project is a tribute to his mother, a massive fan of the original series. Jennifer Yale (See, Outlander) will steer the ship as showrunner.

The Seal of Approval: Scul,y herself, Gillian Anderson, recently revealed she has read the script and pronounced it “f***ing cool.” While she and David Duchovny aren’t currently attached to star, the door to the basement is never truly locked.

There’s more good news! The original creator, Chris Carter, is on board as an executive producer, ensuring the franchise’s DNA remains intact even as it evolves.

While much of the show remains a mystery we can’t wait to investigate, it has been suggested that some episodes may involve an investigation tied to Indigenous communities. Possibly featuring characters such as a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer and a missing woman.

What’s Next?

Production is moving fast. The pilot is scheduled to film in Vancouver—the show’s original stomping grounds—from May 4 through June 5, 2026. Don’t worry, we’ll update you the moment more details surface for the new “X-Files.”

Relive the Mystery with Scully and Mulder

Relive the awesomeness of the original “X-Files.” You can stream it now on Prime Video or watch it for free on Pluto TV.

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