David Duchovny Discusses the X-Files Reboot and Potential Return as Fox Mulder

David Duchovny doesn't know much about the upcoming X-Files reboot, but he has at least spoken with director Ryan Coogler about what’s in store. The actor behind the original show’s FBI agent co-lead, Fox Mulder, touched on the X-Files reboot during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. As the project continues to take shape behind the scenes, Duchovny admits he knows little about the new show's plot or even the universe it inhabits.

When asked if he has read a pilot script for the X-Files reboot, the star was candid: “No, I haven’t.” He clarified his position on the project, stating, “I’ve spoken to Ryan, and I have a general sense of what it is, but I haven’t read the script.” While there have been talks about certain elements, he stopped short of confirming if he will appear in the series.

Uncertain Future for Fox Mulder in Coogler’s New Universe

The uncertainty surrounding Duchovny's potential return extends to his character's viability within the new narrative framework. He noted that there is nothing concrete at this point regarding his involvement. The star seems so in the dark that he isn't even sure if Fox Mulder could play a part in the world Coogler is creating.

Duchovny emphasized the hypothetical nature of his potential return:

  • “I don’t know what the world of his show is.”
  • “I don’t know if my character exists in that show.”
  • “It’s all hypothetical to me, so I can’t really address it.”

This ambiguity comes despite news first emerging in 2023 via Bloomberg reports that Coogler was spearheading the project. As Coogler finished work on last year's explosive Sinners, new details about the X-Files reboot story have begun to surface. A synopsis shared by Deadline indicates the show will follow two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents who form an unlikely bond when assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena.

Expectations for the New Series and Cast Updates

Duchovny expressed high hopes for the quality of storytelling in the reboot, drawing parallels to his experience on the classic series. He remarked on the talent involved: “We were blessed to have a writers room that could generate 20 to 25 movie ideas.” While he praised other projects like The Pitt, he noted the unique pace of the original franchise, stating, “But The X-Files was a movie idea every week.”

Consequently, his primary wishes for Coogler include:

  • Limiting the episode count to around 10 or 12 rather than forcing 25 episodes.
  • Ensuring the show has great writers, as that is the key to making it work.

The X-Files reboot officially picked up a series order at Hulu in February, adding Danielle Deadwyler (Carry-On, Till) as one of the two leads. Himesh Patel (Tenet, Yesterday) joined as a co-star late last month. While there is no word on whether Duchovny will return as Fox Mulder, Gillian Anderson, who played FBI agent Dana Scully, has teased her interest in returning as well.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN, known for his work at The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Follow him on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).