Chris Carter, the creator of the iconic sci-fi series “The X-Files,” recently shared some insights into the upcoming reboot helmed by Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. Although Carter isn’t directly involved in the project, he expressed excitement about seeing someone else’s take on the beloved series and offered advice on navigating potential challenges, such as casting.
In an interview with Inverse, Carter mentioned his positive conversation with Coogler about the reboot and expressed confidence in Coogler’s ideas. However, he acknowledged that Coogler will encounter similar obstacles to those he faced when launching the original show.
Casting, in particular, was a significant hurdle for Carter, as he recalled the studio’s initial resistance to Gillian Anderson’s portrayal of FBI Special Agent Dana Scully. Despite Anderson’s talent and beauty, the studio doubted her sex appeal and even suggested casting Pamela Anderson instead.
Addressing potential challenges for Coogler, Carter noted the difficulty of telling conspiracy-themed stories in the modern era, where everything seems to be a conspiracy and truth is subjective.
The upcoming reboot aims to bring a more diverse cast to “The X-Files” franchise, reflecting Coogler’s vision for the series. Carter emphasized the breadth of territory covered by the original show and expressed confidence in Coogler’s ability to navigate the complexities of remounting the iconic series.
“The X-Files,” which premiered in 1993, follows FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. The series garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, spawning spin-offs, a movie, and additional seasons over the years.