Ryan Coogler is officially stepping into the world of government conspiracies and unexplained phenomena.
As confirmed by Deadline, the filmmaker’s long-discussed reboot of The X-Files has landed a pilot order at Hulu, signaling real momentum for a project that’s been quietly developing for years.
Coogler is set to write and direct the pilot, which reimagines the iconic sci-fi franchise for a new generation. The story centers on two highly accomplished FBI agents with very different approaches who are brought together to reopen a dormant division focused on unexplained cases.
Danielle Deadwyler will take on one of the lead roles, anchoring the new take on the series.
Behind the scenes, Jennifer Yale has been tapped as showrunner. She will also executive produce alongside Coogler, The X-Files creator Chris Carter, and Proximity Media partners Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler. Simone Harris is attached as a co-executive producer.
The project is being developed under Coogler’s overall television deal with Disney, which includes Hulu, Onyx Collective, and 20th Television.
The reboot has been in the works since at least 2023, when Carter first revealed that Coogler was exploring a new version of the franchise with a more diverse cast. Coogler later confirmed his involvement, saying he had been eager to tackle the project and hinted at the tone audiences can expect.
He also emphasized that the goal is to respect longtime fans while opening the door for new viewers, adding that the team wants to “make something really great” that still feels connected to what made the original series resonate.
The original X-Files, which premiered in 1993, followed FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigated unsolved cases tied to paranormal activity, conspiracy theories, and extraterrestrial life. The show ran for nine seasons during its initial run, later returning for two revival seasons, and became one of the most recognizable sci-fi series in television history.
Coogler’s version is expected to carry over core elements of the franchise, including standalone “monster of the week” stories and a larger mythology involving hidden truths and government secrets.