Hulu Orders 'X-Files' Pilot from Ryan Coogler; Danielle Deadwyler Cast as Co-Lead
Hulu has issued a pilot order for a new iteration of "The X-Files," with Ryan Coogler set to write, direct, and executive produce the episode. Danielle Deadwyler has been cast as one of two co-leads in the project, which will feature FBI agents investigating unexplained phenomena. Jennifer Yale will serve as showrunner for the new series.
Key Appointments and Pilot Greenlight
The pilot order was confirmed by Hulu, signaling a new chapter for "The X-Files" franchise. Ryan Coogler, known for his work on the "Black Panther" and "Creed" films, will lead the pilot's creative direction. Jennifer Yale has been named showrunner and will also executive produce the pilot.
Danielle Deadwyler, whose acting credits include "The Harder They Fall," "Till," "Atlanta," and "The Bear," has been cast in a co-lead role. The casting for the second lead FBI agent has not yet been announced.
The executive producer team includes original "X-Files" creator Chris Carter, alongside Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Zinzi Coogler from Proximity Media. Simone Harris of Proximity Media will co-executive produce. The pilot is a collaborative effort between Onyx Collective and 20th Television.
The New Case: Project Premise
The official logline for the pilot describes the series as following "two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena."
Deadwyler will portray one of these FBI agents.
Coogler's Vision and Development Timeline
The project has been in development for three years and falls under Coogler's exclusive television deal with Disney, Hulu's parent company. News of Coogler's involvement first emerged in 2023, when Chris Carter announced that Coogler had contacted him regarding a new iteration featuring a diverse cast.
Coogler confirmed his participation in April of the previous year, expressing his desire to create a "scary" series that appeals to both existing and new fans. He also stated a personal connection to the series through his mother. Discussions with original series star Gillian Anderson have been confirmed by Coogler.
Momentum for the reboot increased following the conclusion of production for Coogler's recent film, "Sinners." This aligns with Hulu's strategy of developing pilots for high-profile titles.
Franchise Legacy and Reboot Significance
"The X-Files" originally ran for nine seasons, concluding in 2001. The franchise was later revived by Fox for two additional seasons in 2016 and 2018, which featured original stars Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny. Additionally, two theatrical films were released in 1998 and 2008.
This new project marks the first complete reboot of the franchise, and neither Anderson nor Duchovny are currently attached to Coogler's pilot.