Uncovering Hidden Truths: Ryan Coogler's X-Files Reboot Exposes Modern-Day Conspiracies

Ryan Coogler, known for directing films like Fruitvale Station (2013) and Black Panther (2018), is reportedly interested in reviving The X-Files with a more diverse cast. In a recent interview marking the 30th anniversary of the show, creator Chris Carter mentioned that Coogler is in discussions to bring back the groundbreaking series, which originally aired from 1993 to 2001 on Fox. Starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny as Special Agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, The X-Files gained a huge following during its original run.

While there is no official confirmation of Coogler's involvement in an X-Files reboot, Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox has paved the way for the revival of other popular series. Carter acknowledges that Coogler would have a challenging task ahead if he takes on the project. However, it's important to note that the television, cultural, and political landscapes have significantly evolved over the past three decades.

Is X-Files Getting Rebooted?

In today's entertainment industry, streaming platforms often prioritize two things: reliable investments and the revival of nostalgic content. With its dedicated fan base, The X-Files is a prime candidate for a reboot in 2023. Despite the lack of an official statement from Ryan Coogler and his production company Proximity, it seems inevitable that they will be involved in this anticipated project. The X-Files originally concluded its run in the early 2000s, but since then, it has expanded with two films and a brief revival that aired from 2016 to 2018.

Star Gillian Anderson has reportedly expressed disinterest in returning to the series, dealing a blow to the show's potential continuation. The interplay between Scully and Mulder, with Scully as the skeptic and Mulder as the believer, is what truly brings the show together. Given this, it appears that a reboot is more likely than a comeback.

A new or rebooted series within the world of The X-Files is no easy task, even for someone as accomplished as Ryan Coogler. The current cultural and political landscapes present additional challenges. Unlike in the 90s when Mulder was confined to windowless basement offices, conspiracy theorists are no longer fringe figures. They now thrive and gain momentum with the help of the internet. The prevalence of social media allows misinformation to spread rapidly, enabling conspiracy theorists to amass large followings effortlessly.

The revival of The X-Files faced a challenge in dealing with the real-world consequences of conspiracy theories. Online communities that propagated the idea of the COVID-19 pandemic being a hoax had tragic outcomes, leading to loss of lives. This disturbing trend of conspiratorial thinking portrayed in the news made it harder to enjoy TV shows that explore shady government entities and individuals who are drawn to such beliefs. Even the 2016 revival of The X-Files struggled to navigate this delicate balance. Unlike its less politically charged and UFO-focused counterpart from the 90s, the revival chose to incorporate current events, which had mixed results. Presenting beloved characters addressing contemporary issues could come across as too overt or, at worst, as giving a platform to those spreading misinformation.

This presented a complex dilemma for The X-Files revival. The character of Fox Mulder, one of its main protagonists, was known for his unwavering belief in conspiracy theories and the supernatural. Although the revival maintained elements of monsters and mythology, it also grappled with the harmful impact of conspiracy theories prevalent in the United States. In Season 11, Mulder confronts this issue directly, stating:

“Who’d have thought we’d look back with nostalgia and say that was a simpler time, Scully? Everything we feared came to pass.”

In one episode, Mulder reflects on his current struggle to uncover hidden connections, questioning whether the world has become too chaotic even for his abilities. With the loss of trust in America's political landscape, it becomes difficult to envision the existence of secretive plots orchestrated by individuals like Cigarette Smoking Men or extraterrestrials with colonization agendas. In essence, conspiracy theories in the 2020s have become too perilous to be portrayed as entertaining television material.

Given this unique backdrop, how can Ryan Coogler's rumored revival of The X-Files achieve success? It seems implausible for an X-Files reboot to solely focus on harmless yet captivating conspiracies such as UFOs and the existence of Bigfoot, without delving into the more harmful ones. Perhaps the solution lies in understanding why people believe in conspiracy theories.

Mulder’s belief in unconventional ideas stemmed from his desire to uncover the truth and protect humanity. However, the motives of most modern conspiracy theorists differ greatly. Many exploit misinformation for financial gain, while others seek social validation. Furthermore, the widespread acceptance of outrageous conspiracy theories often serves as a distraction from more important and urgent issues. Can a revived version of The X-Files successfully strike a balance between exploring belief systems and retaining its original theme of standalone monster-of-the-week episodes? Only time will tell, but Coogler, a master at seamlessly blending different genres, appears to be an ideal candidate to steer this creative endeavor.

Why Did The X-Files End?

After nine seasons, The X-Files concluded its original run. Despite its enduring popularity, the show's final seasons were marred by unclear and confusing storytelling. The decline in quality was not solely due to inconsistent writing, but also the diminishing presence of Mulder and Scully. Starting from Season 8, Duchovny's appearances became less frequent, and Anderson's reduced involvement only became apparent in Season 9.

Mulder and Scully have always been the heart of the show, with their reluctant partnership and the constant question of whether they will or won't be together. However, the introduction of new agents, John Doggett and Monica Reyes, didn't connect with the audience in the same way. Their involvement in the super soldier investigation, which dragged on for too long, didn't hold the same intrigue as the show's iconic monster-of-the-week and supernatural storylines.

Originally intended to end after its fifth season, The X-Files continued due to its immense popularity. Despite waning enthusiasm from critics, Fox found it difficult to cancel the series at its peak. Furthermore, the late-season ratings decline can also be attributed to the September 11 attacks in 2001, which occurred just a few months before Season 9 aired. This tragic event had a profound impact on viewers, making them less interested in shows centered around government conspiracies.

Why Was The X-Files Revived?

The X-Files made its way to the big screen in 1998 with a film bearing the same title. Alongside Scully and Mulder, beloved characters such as FBI Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) and the elusive Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis) also graced the movie. The story begins with a mysterious black substance engulfing a young Texan boy. Later, Mulder and Scully find themselves at a nearby government facility, where they uncover a shocking truth—the government had planted a bomb to hide the existence of an extraterrestrial virus.

Despite receiving mixed reviews, the series continued its journey. A few years after the show concluded, Carter and the team made a comeback with a second film, titled The X Files: I Want to Believe, released in 2008. This film, which was said to be a standalone story, left viewers puzzled. Although Anderson and Duchovny's on-screen chemistry persisted, it wasn't enough to salvage the messy return.

Still, that wasn't the end of the franchise. In 2016, Carter breathed new life into the series with two more seasons, continuing from where Season 9 left off. This revival can be best described as uneven. The episodes that focused on the show's long-standing alien conspiracy were rather disappointing. However, there were some standalone episodes that harkened back to the series' successful and groundbreaking formula. These monster-of-the-week-style cases made Seasons 10 and 11 (mostly) worth watching for dedicated X-Files fans.

Will Scully and Mulder Return (Again)?

There are currently no plans for Scully and Mulder to make a comeback, and it is arguably better that way. Coogler's re-imagining should have the opportunity to stand independently and establish its own identity. Reviving the X-Files is already a challenging task, and the chosen director, be it Coogler or someone else, should not have the burden of overshadowing the original series and its iconic stars.