Recently, David Duchovny, the actor that captured the audience’s attention as Fox Mulder in “The X-Files“, expressed his opinion about the coming sequel to this popular show. Duchovny, together with Gillian Anderson, started the series as a pair of FBI special agents, focusing on the mysterious, the supernatural and the paranormal.
Actually, Witches of East End has quite an extensive background; it comprises nine seasons, two movies, and two revival seasons. So Duchovny’s comments on the project actually provide some interesting perspectives to be discussed following the reveal of a reboot by Ryan Coogler.
Duchovny’s diplomatic response
During an interview promoting his up-coming directorial project titled “Reverse the Curse“, Duchovny was asked about his perception of the “X-Files” reboot. His response was notably reserved: “I don’t really have any thoughts on it. It seems to be a whole separate project. I wish them luck.”
Such modesty indicates Duchovny’s awareness of the reboot as a different show, thus creating room for variations in interpretation while at the same time wishing good luck to those who embark on it.
Chris Carter’s Perspective
Another voice that is worth mentioning with regard to the reboot of “The X-Files” is its original creator, Chris Carter. Carter stated that he felt privileged to be sought after by Disney and the 20th Century Fox for an endorsement on the project.
He said that Ryan Coogler, who is, in fact, a director of “Black Panther“, has come up with some interesting concepts for the reboot. Given Carter’s commitment and faith in Coogler’s vision, it could be expected that the reboot would be both new and creative while paying homage to the series’ heritage.
Gillian Anderson’s Excitement
Co-star Gillian Anderson, who played Dana Scully in Duchovny’s Mulder, has had a nuanced view on the whole concept of a reboot. Earlier, she was not in favor of this concept at all. However, for her, the news that Coogler is involved in the project has brought a new attitude.
In response to the reboot and complimenting Coogler as a director, Anderson said, “He is a brilliant director, a brilliant, brilliant director.” While she has not signed up for the reboot, Anderson’s openness to consider the idea proves her to be optimistic about the reboot, as she said, “I cannot think of a better way for a reboot to happen; I think he’s a bit of a genius.”
Learning from Past Revivals
A typical problem that is associated with reboots and revivals is the shown inclination to emphasize the nostalgic aspects of the previous shows and films, which could overshadow the potential for the development of new concepts or characters.
He noted that many past reboots committed the mistake of bringing back the characters and the arcs, which often takes viewers’ attention away from new creations. However, one can also look at Coogler’s model of the “Creed” films, where he was able to reinvigorate the “Rocky” franchise without copying it.
Potential Inspirations for the Reboot
Regarding the revival seasons of “The X-Files“, it is also necessary to state that a new level of sophistication was added to the show’s main concepts. However, one of the most striking activities referred to as expansion of the investigative focus was identified.
In contrast with the prior seasons that focused on paranormal-related incidents, there is depth made in the revival seasons. Often the audience remained in suspense on how the hero deals with a certain situation or gets out of a certain situation.
Hence there was a possibility that the reboot would retain the investigative aspect of the original series but include new aspects to make it interesting to the viewers yet familiar. Recycling and focusing on fresh plots as well as on characters’ growth and personality might be the key to the reboot’s success, both for critics and enthusiasts.
Conclusion
On the occasion, the approach of the novel “X-Files” reboot is bound to see the view point of David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, and Chris Carter. A promise of a bright future for the reboot is reflected in Duchovny’s neutrality, which is a change from Carter’s endorsement, and Anderson’s increase in enthusiasm.
Thus, not being bound by the nostalgia instigated by the revival seasons and referring to the positive aspects of the prestigious series, Ryan Coogler has a chance to come up with a fresh and intriguing show.