Hulu's New X-Files Series Hints It's Secretly A Sequel

Published Oct 22, 2026, 11:15 PM EDT

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A highly-anticipated reboot of The X-Files is set to come out on Hulu. Considering the original show's legacy, it is obviously hard not to be a little skeptical about the upcoming reboot. However, with Ryan Coogler leading its development and Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel as its leads, The X-Files' reboot seems to have undeniable potential.

Since the original show's creator, Chris Carter, is not directly involved with the reboot in any capacity, Coogler's show was never expected to have any direct connections with the '90s sci-fi series. Even its new diverse casting suggested that the new X-Files was trying to etch its own identity instead of staying in the original show's shadow.

Interestingly, though, new details surrounding the show's premise evoke a sense of familiarity. They suggest that the new X-Files will not only feature subtle narrative connections to the original series but also potentially serve as a loose sequel. This makes the upcoming sci-fi franchise extension even more exciting.

The X-Files Reboot's Premise Hints It Could Be A Secret Sequel

Image via Everett Colleciton

The official premise of the new reboot reveals that it focuses on two "vastly different FBI officers" who "are assigned to a long-shuttered division devoted to cases involving unexplained phenomena." While the new series is being touted as a reimagining of the original show, the fact that the FBI's X-Files unit is being referred to as "a long-shuttered division" raises many questions about franchise continuity.

Ryan Coogler's X-Files could have easily unfolded in a whole new universe. Or, it could have presented itself as a parallel universe where its new leads are the alternatives to Scully and Mulder. However, the emphasis on "long-shuttered" in the premise suggests that the new leads are Scully and Mulder's successors in the X-Files unit.

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If this is true and the X-Files reboot is actually unfolding in the same universe as the parent show, the new agents could pick up exactly where Mulder and Scully left. Scully and Mulder's old case files would also still be lying around. The two new agents could either use them for reference or even reopen them if necessary.

All in all, The X-Files' reboot could do a lot with this hinted connection to the original series and even draw subtle nods and references to its predecessors to please viewers who are familiar with the franchise.

Hulu's X-Files Series Being A Sequel - Is It A Good Idea?

Robert Falconer/ 20th Century Fox Film Corp.

Having some semblance of the continuity with the original series would certainly benefit the upcoming reboot. It would allow many fans of the parent show to accept the new series as a worthy evolution of the franchise. The sense of familiarity it would instill would also serve as the perfect entry point for long-term viewers who loved the original series.

However, drawing too many connections to the parent series could backfire for the reboot. If the reboot tries too hard to draw nods to Scully and Mulder's previous cases, viewers would expect them to appear in some capacity. The new show could even harm its own ability to etch a distinct identity if it does not step out of the shadow of the original series.

Owing to this, even though The X-Files reboot's prospect of being a sequel to the original series is intriguing, it should be handled carefully to ensure it does not seem too derivative.

The X-Files

8/10

The X-Files follows FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they delve into X-Files, unresolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder seeks evidence of alien life and the supernatural, while Scully, a skeptic, is tasked with providing scientific evaluations to challenge Mulder's theories.