Coming off the success of “Sinners,” Ryan Coogler is prepping a reboot he teased ages ago. The X-Files is his next project.
Casting seems to now be underway as sources tell Nexus Point News that Danielle Deadwyler is in talks to join Coogler’s X-Files reboot as one of the two lead investigators.
Deadwyler first gained widespread attention for her role in “The Harder They Fall” (2021). She followed that with a powerful turn in “Till” (2022), portraying Mamie Till-Mobley with a heartbreaking intensity that showcased her ability to inhabit complex work. Beyond her film work, she’s also appeared in acclaimed TV series such as “P-Valley” and “Watchmen.”
Speaking on Last Podcast on the Left (via Screen Rant), Coogler confirmed that once the “Sinners” promo circus wrapped up, he’d be diving straight into Mulder and Scully territory—or whatever version of them emerges this time around.
“I’m working on X-Files. That’s what’s immediately next,” he said, sounding both exhausted and enthusiastic. “I’ve been hyped about it for a long time, and yeah, if we don’t mess it up, some of the episodes might just scare the crap out of people.” A bold promise, considering horror in reboots often lands somewhere between “mildly eerie” and “accidental comedy.”
Now, if you’re wondering what exactly Coogler’s version of The X-Files will look like, join the club—details are scarce. What we do know is that Chris Carter, the original creator of the alien-hunting classic, mentioned that Coogler plans to bring in a more diverse cast. Deadwyler’s potential casting seems to confirm that.
To be fair, fans might’ve assumed the project quietly died in development hell—especially since the last solid update came all the way back in 2021, when Coogler’s Proximity Media signed a deal with Disney. And in case you’ve blocked it out, the last time we saw Mulder and Scully together was in 2018.
Coogler has stated that after he finishes X-Files, he’s going to shoot “Black Panther 3,” which is rumored to have a 2028 release date.