Hulu Orders Ryan Coogler's 'X-Files' Reboot to Series

By Elena Vasquez

Hulu has picked up Ryan Coogler's "X-Files" reboot to series. The order lands months after the streamer took the pilot in February. Coogler wrote, directed and executive produced that pilot.

The show reimagines the 1990s sci-fi drama. Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel star as "two highly decorated but vastly different FBI agents who form an unlikely bond when they are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena," per the logline. A source says the two play new characters, not new versions of Gillian Anderson's Dana Scully and David Duchovny's Fox Mulder. That choice breaks from the franchise's original leads.

Coogler will executive produce the series alongside showrunner Jennifer Yale.

What did Coogler say about the project?

"I've loved 'The X-Files' for a long time, so getting the chance to write and direct the pilot has meant a great deal to me," Coogler said. "What Chris Carter created is special, and we wanted to honor everything that made the original series connect with so many people while also finding our own way into that world."

He added praise for his leads: "Danielle and Himesh, along with the rest of our cast, have brought such original perspectives and performances to these characters, and watching that come together has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience."

The takeaway: Coogler frames the reboot as an homage, not a remake of Mulder and Scully.

Who is producing?

Proximity Media produces the series with 20th Television. Coogler co-founded Proximity Media with Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian.

The executive producer roster:

• Ryan Coogler
• Showrunner Jennifer Yale
• Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian
• Original series creator Chris Carter

Simone Harris of Proximity Media, Deadwyler and Patel serve as co-executive producers. Carter's presence keeps the original creator attached.

How big is the original 'X-Files' legacy?

The original ran 11 seasons on Fox — more than a decade on air. It earned 61 Emmy nominations and won 15. The show became a sci-fi touchstone with vast influence on television and pop culture.

The reboot carries that weight. It is Coogler's most high-profile project after his historic Oscar run with "Sinners." That vampire drama set an all-time record with 16 nominations and won four awards, including screenplay for Coogler and best actor for Michael B. Jordan.

Who are the new leads?

Deadwyler and Patel previously appeared together in the HBO Max miniseries "Station Eleven." The reboot reunites them.

Deadwyler is best known for "The Harder They Fall," "Till" and "The Piano Lesson." Patel is best known for "EastEnders," "Yesterday" and a supporting turn in "The Odyssey."

Hulu has not announced a premiere date. The series order confirms Coogler's first major television franchise since "Sinners" redefined his film career.