New Cast Unveiled: Meet The X-Files’ Mulder and Scully Replacements

Oscar-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler will write and direct the pilot for a new X-Files revival now in development at Hulu. The project will introduce new leads rather than continue with the original Mulder and Scully characters.

Casting and creative team

Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel have been cast as the series’ two leads. Showrunner Jennifer Yale will oversee the new version, with Coogler attached to the pilot.

Deadwyler is 43. Patel is 35. The casting was confirmed in industry reports this month.

Premise

The series logline describes two highly decorated but very different FBI agents. They form an unlikely bond when assigned to a long-shuttered division handling unexplained phenomena.

This setup moves away from Chris Carter’s original characters. It introduces fresh leads and new story directions.

New Cast Unveiled and public reaction

Filmogaz.com covered the New Cast Unveiled announcement and the casting details. The news prompted strong online responses, including racist attacks aimed at the new actors.

Producers and cast have urged viewers to approach the reboot with an open mind. The creative team says the pilot offers a distinct take on the franchise.

Actors’ recent work

Danielle Deadwyler is known for The Harder They Fall and Till. She also appeared in Station Eleven and The Woman in the Yard.

She has an upcoming role in the dark comedy thriller The Saviors. Her casting marks a lead role in the X-Files universe.

Himesh Patel gained notice in Yesterday and Tenet. He co-starred with Deadwyler in Station Eleven.

Patel will appear in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey as Eurylochus. He also has credits on the satirical series The Franchise.

Original series legacy and original cast

The original show debuted in 1993 and ran nine seasons. It also produced two feature films and brief revivals in 2016 and 2018.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are not currently attached to Coogler’s pilot. Anderson has spoken with Coogler and read the script.

Development status

The X-Files revival remains in development at Hulu. No release date has been announced.

The production will introduce Mulder and Scully replacements in a new creative direction. Further casting and production details will follow.