The X-Files revival is one step closer to becoming a reality. Fox
is close to giving an official green-light to a revival of their iconic
science fiction series, which originally aired between 1993 and 2002.
Per sources, the network has settled on a “short-stack” order for the
revival and while the exact size of the order is yet-to-be-determined,
I’m told it will be less than ten episodes (though I can’t confirm
the Daily Mail’s report that it will be six). It should be stressed,
however, that talks with sister studio 20th Century Fox Television are
still on-going.
The revival is aimed to close out the lingering storylines left by
the series proper, which, much to the dismay of fans, were left
unresolved by the second feature film I Want To Believe. I’m
told that Fox landed on the “short order” for two reasons. The first
being story requirements – a conclusion that execs came to after
prolonged discussions with Chris Carter.
The second – and an
equally important one – was scheduling. The feeling was that it would be
easier for the always in demand Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny to
schedule a block of time to shoot the revival with a short order. The
duo, who were always committed to doing more X-Files, have, sources
say, agreed to reprise their roles. It is understood than an offer has
also gone out to Mitch Pileggi. Other key cast members will also return.
Still scheduling is a big factor – and one of the few remaining
sticking points in getting an official pick up. The fact that Duchovny’s
NBC drama Aquarius is an off-cycle Summer series helps, as does the
fact that Gillian Anderson’s BBC series The Fall isn’t due to
enter production on its just ordered third season until the end of this
year. The hope is that production can get underway this Summer, but that
is not certain at this stage.
Beyond the cast, Chris Carter is returning to the helm, will pen the scripts and will also serve as an executive producer on The X-Files revival.
I have been unable to get a clear read on Frank Spotnitz’s involvement.
Sources had indicated that having him return was Carter’s preference,
but he recently committed to the third season of Tandem’s Crossing Lines, which is now filming in Europe.
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