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Ryan Coogler Is in Talks to Reboot ‘The X-Files’ With a Diverse Cast

Ryan Coogler Is in Talks to Reboot ‘The X-Files’ With a Diverse Cast

Ryan Coogler, the visionary director behind the Creed and the Black Panther film franchises, may be ready to take on a new challenge: rebooting The X-Files.

In a recent interview with CBC’s On The Coast, Chris Carter, the creator of the iconic sci-fi series, let it slip that Coogler was looking to “remount” the beloved show with a more diverse cast.

“I just spoke to a young man, Ryan Coogler, who is going to remount The X-Files with a diverse cast,” Carter said.

Although no official announcement has been made, the news quickly spread through the entertainment industry, and for good reason. While The X-Files was a groundbreaking show in its time, it was also very much a product of its era. With its lack of diversity and emphasis on conspiracy theories involving little green men and government cover-ups, the show does seem a bit more dated when compared to some of its contemporaries.

But with Coogler at the helm, there’s reason to hope that The X-Files can be brought into the 21st century. Coogler has a proven track record of bringing fresh perspectives to established franchises (just look at what he did with Creed). And with all the conspiracy theories that have run abound in the 21st century, there’s plenty of storylines ripe for the picking.

Of course, that could also make a reboot even harder to accomplish. As Carter himself has noted, the rise of dangerous conspiracy theories in recent years has made it more challenging than ever to create a show that balances entertainment with responsible storytelling. The show’s original run may have popularized the idea of shadowy government organizations and sinister cover-ups, but today’s political climate is much far more fraught with real-world implications.

Still, if anyone is up to the challenge, it’s Coogler. His work on films like Black Panther and Fruitvale Station show he’s not afraid to tackle complex issues, from racial inequality to colonialism. And if he can bring the same level of nuance and thoughtfulness to a show like The X-Files, there’s no telling what kind of impact it could have.

Of course, it’s worth noting that there’s no official word yet on whether Coogler will actually be involved in a reboot of The X-Files. As the show’s tagline famously reminds us, “trust no one” until an official announcement is made.

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