Hulu’s new take on ‘The X-Files’ has found its other lead, with Himesh Patel (Station Eleven, Yesterday) set to star opposite Danielle Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson, Station Eleven) in the reboot pilot from Ryan Coogler (Sinners, Black Panther).
Patel joins the project following news last month that Hulu had handed the new version of ‘The X-Files’ a pilot order, with Deadwyler already on board to lead the cast. This new take is set to focus on original characters rather than simply recasting Mulder and Scully, which suggests Coogler and the team are looking to build something fresh inside Chris Carter’s paranormal FBI world.
According to the early details, Deadwyler and Patel will play two highly decorated but very different FBI agents who are assigned to a long-shuttered division investigating unexplained phenomena. Naturally, that sounds very much in the spirit of ‘The X-Files’, even if the agents themselves are brand new.
Coogler is writing and directing the pilot, with Jennifer Yale (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, See) serving as showrunner. Original ‘X-Files’ creator Chris Carter is also attached as an executive producer, alongside Coogler, Sev Ohanian and Zinzi Coogler for Proximity Media.
That creative line-up alone makes this one worth watching closely. Coogler stepping into the world of conspiracies, government secrets and unexplained phenomena feels like a smart match, and Patel is a strong addition too. He’s one of those actors who can bring intelligence, warmth and a slightly offbeat edge to a role, which feels exactly right for an ‘X-Files’ lead.
There is still no word on whether any original cast members will appear, although Gillian Anderson recently said she’d read the script and urged fans to keep an open mind about the reboot, calling it “cool” and “special.”
For Patel, it’s another major project in what is becoming a very busy run. He’s also set to appear in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey later this year, and returns as Dr. Watson in Enola Holmes 3.
As for ‘The X-Files’, this is currently still at pilot stage, so there’s a way to go yet before we know exactly when or where it may land in the UK. But with Coogler behind it, Deadwyler already in place, and Patel now joining her, this is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing TV revivals in the works.
‘The X-Files’ is currently classed as ‘in development’ so may, or may not, make it to series. We’ll let you know when we hear more!
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