Hulu Orders Ryan Coogler's X Files Reboot to Series

Hulu has officially ordered a new version of The X-Files from filmmaker Ryan Coogler, bringing the science fiction franchise back to television with a new cast and a fresh investigation into unexplained phenomena. Announced on October 13, 2026, the series will star Himesh Patel and Danielle Deadwyler as two FBI agents assigned to reopen a long-shuttered division dedicated to paranormal cases.

According to Hulu's official announcement, the production will reimagine the original series while retaining its central premise of federal investigators confronting unexplained events. Coogler wrote and directed the pilot and will executive produce the series alongside showrunner Jennifer Yale.

The project has been in development for approximately three years under Coogler's overall deal with Disney, according to Collider. Although the pilot was completed earlier in 2026, the series had not received an official order until the latest announcement. Hulu has not announced a premiere date.

Hulu described the new series as a story about two highly decorated but fundamentally different FBI agents who develop an unexpected connection after joining the division responsible for investigating unexplained phenomena.

Coogler, whose film Sinners received multiple Academy Awards earlier in 2026, said his longstanding appreciation for the franchise shaped his approach to the project.

"I've loved The X-Files for a long time, so getting the chance to write and direct the pilot has meant a great deal to me," Coogler said in a statement released by Hulu.

The filmmaker also emphasized the importance of respecting the original series while establishing a distinct identity for the reboot. Original creator Chris Carter, who developed the franchise around FBI agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, is attached as a producer.

"What Chris Carter created is special, and we wanted to honor everything that made the original series connect with so many people while also finding our own way into that world. Danielle and Himesh, along with the rest of our cast, have brought such original perspectives and performances to these characters, and watching that come together has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience," Coogler said.

Coogler credited the production team, his colleagues at Proximity Media, and the project's industry partners for supporting the new adaptation. The series is also produced by Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler, with Jennifer Yale overseeing the show as its showrunner.

"I couldn't have asked for better collaborators than my crew, colleagues at Proximity Media, and our partners at Onyx Collective and 20th Television. I'm grateful for the trust and support they've given us as we take on this new chapter," Coogler said.

The cast includes Amy Madigan, Steve Buscemi, Ben Foster, Devery Jacobs, Lochlyn Munro, Tantoo Cardinal, Joel D. Montgrand, and Sofia Grace Clifton, according to Collider. Their involvement expands the ensemble supporting Patel and Deadwyler, whose characters will lead the new investigation-focused narrative.

Deadwyler has offered limited details about her role, avoiding revelations about the story during an interview with Collider's Perri Nemiroff. Her comments suggested that the production was progressing gradually.

"It is cooking slowly and with lots of flavor. That's the most I've given away today. I'm sorry!

That's the most I've given away today!" Deadwyler said.

The reboot has also drawn attention from the original series' leading actors. Gillian Anderson, who played skeptical FBI agent Dana Scully, has read Coogler's pilot script and praised his approach during a panel at MegaCon Orlando, moderated by Collider's Maggie Lovitt.

"It's very different and very similar all at the same time, and it's very special. I think he's incredibly talented, and I think he's one of the only people who can do something unique and do it justice, and he's completely obsessed with the series. He's one of the most talented filmmakers who's out there.

The fact that Chris has him as the person who's going to be involved in the franchise is awesome, and a huge gift. You guys will see what he has in mind, and I don't think you'll be disappointed," Anderson said.

David Duchovny, who portrayed paranormal investigator Fox Mulder in the original series, has also indicated that he would be willing to return. However, neither Anderson nor Duchovny has been confirmed as part of the new series' cast, and Hulu has not provided a release date.