Ryan Coogler’s long-anticipated reboot of “The X-Files” has officially been given a pilot order by Hulu, marking a significant new chapter for the iconic supernatural series. Coogler is set to helm the project, writing, directing, and executive producing the first episode under his Proximity Media banner. This development follows earlier clues and confirmation from Coogler and original series creator Chris Carter, setting the stage for a fresh take on the beloved sci-fi procedural.

Adding to the excitement, Danielle Deadwyler, celebrated for her roles in films such as “The Harder They Fall,” “Till,” and “The Piano Lesson,” has been officially cast in one of the two lead roles. The new series’ logline reveals it will follow “two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents who form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena.” This premise appears to position the series as a sequel to the original, which could potentially allow for appearances from former cast members like David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, although neither is currently attached to Coogler’s pilot.

The original “The X-Files” captivated audiences during its initial run for nine seasons on Fox from 1993-2002, and later returned for two revival seasons in 2016 and 2018. It famously introduced skeptical FBI agent and medical doctor Dana Scully (Anderson) and paranormal believer Fox Mulder (Duchovny), whose unwavering enthusiasm for the bureau's so-called “X-Files” often led them to investigate cases involving alien abductions and far-reaching government conspiracies. The palpable chemistry between Anderson and Duchovny was a key factor in the show's immense popularity, cultivating one of the earliest and most active fan communities on the nascent internet.

Throughout its history, the franchise also expanded into two theatrical films: “The X-Files” (1998) and “The X-Files: I Want to Believe” (2008). Over time, the series saw changes in its lead cast, with John Doggett (Robert Patrick) and Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish) joining the team. Original series creator Chris Carter, who wrote 72 episodes and both feature films, will return as a non-writing executive producer for the new Hulu pilot. He is joined by Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler from Proximity, with Jennifer Yale (known for “The Copenhagen Test”) serving as showrunner and executive producer. Simone Harris of Proximity will co-executive produce, and the pilot is a collaboration between Onyx Collective and 20th Television, aligning with Coogler’s overall TV deal with Disney.

The idea for Coogler’s reboot first surfaced in 2023, when Carter revealed Coogler had approached him about reimagining the series with a diverse cast. Coogler has expressed a deep personal connection to “The X-Files,” likening it to his relationship with “Rocky” through his father, and noting its importance in his bond with his mother. He has shared his commitment to doing right by both his family and the show’s dedicated fanbase. While no release date for the new series has been announced, anticipation remains high for this fresh iteration.

Ryan Coogler has established himself as one of the most in-demand and celebrated filmmakers of his generation, with a distinguished filmography that includes directing the acclaimed “Black Panther” films for Marvel, the “Creed” franchise, and “Fruitvale Station.” He also produced the Oscar-winning film “Judas and the Black Messiah.” Coogler recently made history by becoming the first Black person to win a BAFTA Award for best original screenplay and is currently receiving significant awards season recognition for his film “Sinners,” which garnered an unprecedented 16 Oscar nominations. His involvement signals a prestigious and impactful direction for the future of “The X-Files.”