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A new The X-Files show is reportedly in the works with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler at the reins. The X-Files was a groundbreaking science fiction show, running for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2002 before being resurrected in 2016 for two more seasons. The series also spawned two successful feature films that also followed David Duchovny as Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, two FBI agents who take on cases involving paranormal activity.

During a guest appearance on the podcast On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko, The X-Files creator Chris Carter discussed how the show would work in today's social and political climate. Carter revealed that Coogler would produce a new version of The X-Files and also said that the director would have his work cut out for him, considering how much ground they covered in the original series. Read Carter's full quote below:

"I just spoke to a young man… Ryan Coogler… who is going to remount The X-Files with a diverse cast. So he’s got his work cut out for him, because we covered so much territory."

What To Expect From A Coogler X-Files Reboot

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Coogler is known for his collaborative instincts, which his peers have talked about before, so his version of The X-Files would have a similarly organic production and set atmosphere, which is conducive to a successful project. Coogler has directed and written just four films, and despite a small filmography resume, the success of his films and the different genres he's been able to master would speak to his respected filmmaking artistry.

Up to this point, all of Coogler's films have centered on Black characters and Black stories. Carter said Coogler's project would feature a "diverse cast" that seemingly points to either a re-imagining of Mulder and Scully as people of color or a brand-new leading duo, embodying Coogler's dedication to diversity. Although casting speculation is too soon as the show is likely in the early works, Coogler has frequently collaborated with Michael B. Jordan, who has featured in all four of Coogler's major movies. While the series managing to cast him would be tough due to Jordan's rising status as a movie star, another Jordan collaboration would be fitting.

The topics of government conspiracy and extraterrestrial life are still as popular today as they were when The X-Files first came out, if not more so. A new take on the characters and genre from a talented and innovative young writer-director like Coogler has a great chance of nearing the heights of the original. Coogler's experience and skill in building unique and fresh characters and stories from the pre-existing source material in hit films Black Panther and Creed mean the next iteration of The X-Files is in safe hands.

If Duchovny and Anderson are absent it's unlikely that this will take off in my opinion.