Ryan Coogler is set to breathe new life into the iconic series The X-Files, with plans to develop the reboot before he embarks on his next project, Black Panther 3. During an appearance on the podcast *Happy Sad Confused* with Josh Horowitz, Coogler expressed his deep admiration for the original series and shared insights into his vision for the revival.
The director revealed that nostalgia played a significant role in his decision to revisit The X-Files. “That show is what I used to watch with my mom,” he said, emphasizing its impact on him personally. Coogler described The X-Files as “one of the most beautiful American television shows ever made.” He acknowledged the influence of the show’s creator, Chris Carter, who aimed to capture the spirit of earlier works, such as *Kolchak: The Night Stalker*.
Coogler is particularly drawn to the dynamic of “a skeptic paired with a believer,” a formula he believes adds depth and excitement to the narrative. He pointed out that the original series not only introduced memorable characters but also set the stage for future successes in television, such as Vince Gilligan‘s acclaimed series, *Breaking Bad* and *Better Call Saul*.
Coogler outlined his intention to incorporate both standalone episodes and overarching conspiracies, similar to the original show’s structure. “We intend on having both monsters of the week and also the overarching conspiracy,” he explained. This approach is expected to resonate with long-time fans of the franchise while drawing in new viewers.
While specifics regarding the cast have yet to be confirmed, Coogler expressed his admiration for the original stars, stating, “I’m a big fan of Gillian Anderson, big fan of David Duchovny. That’s all I can say.” His acknowledgment of the original cast underscores the significance of their roles in the series and hints at the possibility of their return, though no official announcements have been made.
As for the timeline of the project, Coogler noted that he is currently focused on The X-Files before turning his attention to Black Panther 3. “It’s what I’m doing now,” he said, highlighting his excitement about working on a project with such a dedicated fan base. “I’m blessed to be working on things this cool. It’s also nice to have something that has the pressure of the fans, [and] a lot of really smart people that I don’t want to let down.”
The original The X-Files aired on Fox from 1993 to 2002, spanning nine seasons and a total of 202 episodes. The series experienced a revival in 2016 with a tenth season comprising six episodes, followed by an eleventh season with ten episodes in 2018. Additionally, two feature films were released in 1998 and 2008, further solidifying the show’s legacy.
Fans of the franchise can look forward to all 11 seasons of The X-Files, including the reboot seasons, becoming available for streaming on Pluto TV starting January 1, 2026. The platform will feature a dedicated channel that offers a complete linear run of the entire series, allowing both new and returning audiences to experience the show’s rich history.
As Coogler gears up for this ambitious project, anticipation builds among fans eager to see how he will reinterpret a classic while honoring its roots.
