David Duchovny Says Whether Or Not He’d Do The X-Files Without Gillian Anderson
The X-Files is a landmark series in the annals of television history, bringing serialized paranormal investigations, and alien conspiracies to the mainstream through three series, two movies, and a spin-off. David Duchovny, who played Agent Fox Mulder, recently gave an exclusive interview to ComicBook, saying that to him, there is no X-Files without also including Gillian Anderson and series creator, Chris Carter. Given the success that the trio had with the first series, it is no surprise that Duchovny views them as a package deal.
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, reprising her role as Agent Dana Scully, last teamed together for the 2018 X-Files revival series. Despite the actor’s themselves feeling let-down by the last series, Duchovny said that “For me, it was always there’s no show unless it’s Chris and Gillian, so I don’t know. Again, I don’t want to have to think about that, because it’s not something that I necessarily need in my life, to go do that. I think at this point, I mean, there might be another iteration of the actual show without either of us.”
The mention of a version of the show without either of the stars is already in the works, sort of. Announced back in 2020, X-Files: Albuquerque is an animated comedy spin-off in production with Fox. While Chris Carter is an executive producer, neither David Duchovny or Gillian Anderson are working on the project in any form.
Going back to a show with the cultural impact of The X-Files, and producing new content that holds up to the original, is a near-impossible task. The original series was such a cultural phenomena that props from the show, including Mulder’s “I Want To Believe” poster, were donated to the Smithsonian. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have, in the past, turned down unrelated projects that would have them star together, out of respect for the show and its fans.
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have both found continued success away from the franchise that made them household names. Duchovny starred in Californication, a Showtime dramedy for 7 seasons, followed by two seasons of Aquarius, a NBC detective series. More recently, he appeared in The Craft: Legacy and The Estate.
While David Duchovny starred in series, Gillian Anderson found her niche in limited series and voicework. The actress starred in The Fall, opposite Jamie Dornan, and portrayed Margaret Thatcher on The Crown. Anderson has loaned her voice to Sex Education, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, and also an episode of Robot Chicken.
Whether David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson return for another run as Mulder and Scully, fans will make sure the series lives on. Next year is the 30th Anniversary of the original X-Files, which means, if nothing else, plenty of fan events and conventions celebrating the franchise. The chances of a third revival season being announced to coincide with the 30th Anniversary is, at least thanks to Duchovny’s enthusiasm, better than zero.
