Ryan Coogler is making waves with the release of his much-anticipated horror film Sinners, but he’s already setting his sights on what’s next—and it’s not what fans might expect!
While many assumed his next move would be Black Panther 3—a project rumored to feature Denzel Washington—Coogler surprised everyone by recently revealing a different direction altogether.
In a recent appearance on Last Podcast on the Left, the acclaimed director announced that his next major project will be a reboot of the beloved '90s sci-fi classic The X-Files. The reveal has sparked major buzz, especially among longtime fans of the original series, as Coogler shared a few early thoughts that suggest he’s honoring the show’s legacy while bringing his own bold vision to the table.
Said Coogler, "[X-Files] that's what's immediately next. I've been excited about that for a long time and I’m fired up to get back to it, and that, you know, some of those episodes, if we do our jobs right, will be really [frick]ing scary...We're going to try and make it soon and try and make it for the X-Files fans."
The X-Files, originally created by Chris Carter, became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 1993, following FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigated unsolved, often paranormal cases.
With its eerie atmosphere, unforgettable characters, and blend of science fiction and horror, it’s no wonder that Coogler, a master of blending genres, as evident with Sinners, Creed and Black Panther, is taking the reins. Given his ability to craft compelling, character-driven narratives in genres as diverse as superhero films and boxing dramas, it’s not hard to imagine him bringing fresh energy to The X-Files.
Ryan Coogler was first announced as the creative force behind The X-Files reboot back in March 2023, but details have remained tightly under wraps for the past two years. Now, with Sinners behind him, Coogler appears ready to shift his focus toward reinventing the iconic world of paranormal investigations—and crafting a bold new vision for the legendary franchise.
Although X-Files star Gillian Anderson has previously shown interest in returning, Coogler’s reboot is widely expected to mark a clean slate rather than a continuation of the classic Mulder and Scully storyline. This fresh take is set to reimagine the concept for a new generation, while still paying homage to the eerie creepiness and mystery that made the original series a cult phenomenon.
The project is still in the early stages of development, with no official word yet on where the series will land. However, with Fox now under the Disney umbrella, there are several possible platforms in play—including Fox, ABC, Hulu, and Disney+.
Wherever it ends up, fans can likely expect a darker, more terrifying twist on The X-Files, shaped by Coogler’s unique voice and growing influence in genre storytelling.