Ryan Coogler’s ‘The X-Files’ Reboot Can Fix a 10-Year-Old Alien Problem

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The X-Files created a fascinating, ongoing story about a large alien conspiracy. While the show often featured self-contained episodes with Agents Mulder and Scully investigating various creepy creatures – like vampires, ghosts, and even a bizarre, worm-like monster – it was the overarching alien storyline that truly defined the series from beginning to end.

After the original series ended in 2002, The X-Files had a bit of an uncertain future. There was a movie in 2008 that didn’t really expand on the show’s established story, and then a revival in 2016 which lasted for two seasons. While fans were happy to see creator Chris Carter and stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return, the revival significantly altered the show’s alien storyline. Though seasons 10 and 11 featured some excellent standalone episodes, many longtime viewers felt the changes to the core mythology went too far. Now, Academy Award winner Ryan Coogler is working on a reboot with the potential to address those issues.

The Alien Mythology Runs Deep in ‘The X-Files’

When The X-Files premiered in 1993, the first episode introduced viewers to Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigated a potential alien abduction. This initial case launched a complex storyline that explored themes like alien breeding programs, a mind-controlling substance called black oil, and a secret group orchestrating an extraterrestrial plan. Some episodes, such as “Colony” and “End Game” from Season 2, delved deeply into the show’s established mythology, including the notorious alien bounty hunters. Others, like Season 6’s “The Unnatural,” took a lighter approach to the alien concept. Even the 1998 film The X-Files: Fight the Future continued to focus on the overarching alien conspiracy, expanding the mysteries on a larger scale. The development of Mulder and Scully’s characters was also closely connected to these unfolding events and the show’s overall mythology.

A defining event in Fox Mulder’s life is the disappearance of his sister, Samantha, in 1973. This unsolved mystery haunts him throughout the series, with many episodes exploring the truth behind it and the roles played by figures like the Cigarette Smoking Man, a shadowy syndicate, and even Mulder’s own father. Mulder’s tendency to believe in extraordinary explanations, while a source of hope, often complicated his investigations. This internal conflict is perfectly captured by the poster in his office, boldly stating “I WANT TO BELIEVE.” The X-Files not only made Mulder receptive to conspiracy theories, but also continuously sparked his curiosity with a vast and complex alien mystery.

Despite being the more skeptical of the two FBI agents, Scully couldn’t avoid becoming entangled in the show’s science fiction elements. Her abduction in Season 2 had a lasting impact on her life and became a central part of her character, driving storylines in later seasons. This connection deepened when her son, William, was introduced, adding another layer to the overarching conspiracy. Throughout the series, new developments constantly challenged her skepticism, creating a captivating and often emotionally charged journey for Scully that remained firmly rooted in the world of aliens.

The 2016 Revival Made Divisive Changes To ‘X-Files’ Lore

As a longtime X-Files fan, I was really intrigued by the 2016 revival. It seemed like they wanted to build on the existing stories and the whole alien mystery, even incorporating some of the newer conspiracy theories floating around. But honestly, it ended up being pretty controversial. They didn’t ditch the aliens entirely, but they really changed how we understood everything, and it split the fanbase. The original series had built up this idea of an alien colonization planned for 2012, and the 2002 finale left that date feeling distant. The revival had to address the fact that 2012 came and went without any alien invasion, which was a tricky spot to be in.

The show The X-Files essentially erased the original plan for alien colonization by changing the story after the fact. This new direction continued in seasons 10 and 11, as the series redefined its established history. Instead of a genuine alien conspiracy driving events, the focus shifted to a conspiracy by humans, who were using recovered alien technology. According to this revised story, these humans staged fake abductions and conducted experiments, intending to use the idea of an alien agenda as a cover for governments to gain absolute power.

A recent reveal dramatically changed how we understand events from the show’s past, and this upset some dedicated fans. However, others welcomed the changes, noting they mirrored popular conspiracy theories at the time, which allowed The X-Files to tap into existing anxieties. This story decision proved controversial and likely contributed to the revival’s short run, despite attempts in Season 11 to lessen its impact. With a new reboot planned, Coogler has an opportunity to refocus the series on its original strengths.

Ryan Coogler’s ‘X-Files’ Reboot Can Fix the Problem

Ryan Coogler’s revival of The X-Files is building excitement, with positive feedback on the pilot script and the main actors now confirmed. The new series won’t follow the original characters of Mulder and Scully; instead, Himesh Patel and Danielle Deadwyler will play the lead FBI agents. Coogler has been secretive about the plot, only hinting on a podcast that it will be “really scary.” While details are scarce, reports suggest the show will use a ‘monster of the week’ format alongside episodes that explore the show’s established mythology. Coogler has also shared that he deeply values the original X-Files and the connection he and his mother have with it, as he recently stated at a Cinespia event (according to Variety).

Just like ‘Rocky’ was a special connection with my dad, ‘The X-Files’ is something I share with my mom. She’s incredibly important to me – she’s actually here tonight – so this project means a lot. I really want to make her and the fans proud. She’s even read some of my work on it and is really excited!

The upcoming reboot of The X-Files centers around two FBI agents who team up to investigate unexplained cases in a previously closed division, according to an IMDb synopsis. The use of the phrase ‘long-shuttered’ is interesting – it could mean this new series takes place in the same universe as the original, with the division having been inactive since the time of Mulder and Scully. Alternatively, it might just mean the division has been inactive for a while, with no real connection to the past. Most likely, this is a complete reboot, allowing the show to create its own unique mythology.

Now that Ryan Coogler is involved, The X-Files has a chance to return to its roots and focus on its classic alien storyline, moving away from the controversial changes made in the 2016 revival. Even if the new series references those past changes to tap into modern conspiracy theories, starting over allows it to maintain a consistent history. Coogler’s work on Sinners proves he excels at building compelling relationships within supernatural settings. With many questions still unanswered, this reboot can finally address the biggest issues with the previous revival by revisiting and refining the show’s core alien mythology.

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2026-04-05 19:19