For over thirty years, the phrase “The Truth is Out There” has defined a generation of sci-fi enthusiasts. But in 2026, the truth isn’t just out there—it’s officially heading to Hulu. After three years of “will-they-won’t-they” development, the Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot has received a formal pilot greenlight, signaling a massive new chapter for the legendary franchise.
Fresh off the historic, record-shattering success of his Southern Gothic vampire epic Sinners, Ryan Coogler is trading the Mississippi Delta for the basement of the FBI. And if his recent comments are any indication, he’s planning to make the paranormal terrifying again.
A New Duo for a New Era: Danielle Deadwyler Leads the Charge
The original X-Files thrived on the electric chemistry between David Duchovny’s Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson’s Dana Scully. To fill those iconic shoes, Coogler has tapped one of the most talented actors working today: Danielle Deadwyler.
Deadwyler, who has been on an absolute tear with her performances in The Piano Lesson and her upcoming role in Euphoria Season 3, will play one of two highly decorated but “vastly different” FBI agents. Assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to unexplained phenomena, her character is set to anchor a story that Chris Carter, the series’ original creator, says will feature a “diverse cast.”
While we’re still waiting on word for who will play Deadwyler’s partner, the pedigree behind the camera is already top-tier. Jennifer Yale (The Copenhagen Test) has been named showrunner, and she will executive produce alongside the legendary Chris Carter himself. This bridge between the original creator and the new visionary suggests a reboot that respects the lore while carving out a fresh, modern path.
“Really F*cking Scary”: Ryan Coogler’s Vision for the Reboot
If you’ve seen Sinners, you know that Coogler is currently at the top of his game when it comes to tension and atmosphere. During a recent podcast appearance, Coogler didn’t mince words about his goals for the Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot.
“I’ve been excited about that for a long time, and I’m fired up to get back to it,” Coogler shared. “Some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really f*cking scary. We’re gonna try to make something really great for the real X-Files fans, and maybe find some new ones.”
The decision to focus on the “scary” aspect of the show is a major win for fans. While the original series occasionally leaned into government conspiracy or campy “Monster of the Week” tropes, its most enduring episodes were the ones that tapped into pure, existential dread. With Coogler writing and directing the pilot, we can expect a visual style that matches the prestige horror era he helped define.
The Hulu Pilot Model: Why This Strategy Works
Hulu has recently shifted its development strategy, moving away from “straight-to-series” orders in favor of a traditional pilot model—even for high-profile IPs. We’re seeing this same approach with Chloé Zhao’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot.
By producing a pilot first, the streamer and the creators can ensure the tone and chemistry are perfect before committing to a full season. For a project as delicate as The X-Files, where the “vibe” is everything, this is a smart move. It allows Coogler and Yale to experiment with the visual language of the paranormal in 2026 without the immediate pressure of a 10-episode arc.
This project also falls under Coogler’s massive five-year exclusive deal with Disney via his company, Proximity Media. Between this and the upcoming Ironheart series for Disney+, Coogler has become the architect of Disney’s most ambitious genre content.
The Legacy of Mulder and Scully
It’s impossible to discuss an X-Files reboot without acknowledging the massive legacy it follows. The original show ran for nine seasons, spawned two feature films, and saw a two-season revival in 2016. Coogler has confirmed he has already spoken with Gillian Anderson about the project, fueling rumors that we might see some legacy cameos—though the focus is clearly on a new generation of believers.
Chris Carter admitted that Coogler “has his work cut out for him” because the original series covered so much territory. However, in an age of AI, deep-sea exploration, and renewed UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings in the real world, there has never been a better time to revive the FBI’s “most unwanted” division.
Do You Still Want to Believe?
The Ryan Coogler X-Files reboot represents the perfect storm of talent, timing, and nostalgia. With Coogler’s Midas touch currently turning everything into Oscar gold and Danielle Deadwyler bringing her powerhouse talent to the lead role, the truth isn’t just out there—it’s looking more promising than ever.
Are you excited to see a “really f*cking scary” version of The X-Files, or do you think some mysteries are better left in the 90s? Who would you cast as Danielle Deadwyler’s partner? Let us know your theories in the comments below!
