Himesh Patel Joins Danielle Deadwyler in Ryan Coogler’s ‘X-Files’ Pilot
Filmogaz.com has learned that Himesh Patel will headline Ryan Coogler’s new ‘X-Files’ pilot for Hulu. He will star opposite Danielle Deadwyler in the project. The pilot was formally picked up by Hulu in February.
Casting and characters
Patel and Deadwyler are set as the two lead FBI agents. The official logline describes two decorated yet different agents reuniting to investigate unexplained phenomena. Sources say the pair will portray entirely new characters, not modern versions of Mulder and Scully.
Creative team and production
Coogler will write, direct, and executive produce the pilot under Proximity Media. Jennifer Yale will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler will also executive produce alongside original creator Chris Carter.
Simone Harris is credited as co-executive producer. Deadwyler and Patel are slated to receive co-executive producer credits. Proximity Media development chief Dezi Gallegos will help oversee the pilot.
Studios, deals and partners
The pilot comes from Onyx Collective and 20th Television. Coogler and Proximity Media operate under a TV overall deal with Disney. Production oversight will involve several Proximity executives.
Himesh Patel’s recent work and reunion with Deadwyler
Patel and Deadwyler previously worked together on the HBO Max miniseries Station Eleven. Patel earned an Emmy nomination for that leading role. His recent TV credits include Avenue 5, The Franchise, and the Amazon series Bait opposite Riz Ahmed.
- Film credits: Yesterday, Tenet.
- Upcoming: a reunion with Christopher Nolan on The Odyssey.
- Representation: 42, WME, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, Tapestry London.
Franchise context
This effort marks the first formal reboot of The X-Files. The original series ended in 2001 after nine seasons. Fox previously revived the show for 2016 and 2018 seasons with Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny returning.
The franchise also includes two feature films, released in 1998 and 2008. At present, neither Anderson nor Duchovny is attached to Coogler’s pilot. Chris Carter remains involved as an executive producer.
Next steps
Hulu’s pickup in February set the pilot into motion. Further casting and production updates are expected in the coming months. Filmogaz.com will report developments as they emerge.
