Chris Carter, the mastermind behind the iconic sci-fi series The X-Files, recently sat down with me to discuss the director’s cut of The X-Files: I Want to Believe, now streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus. While we talked about the film, the conversation inevitably turned to the future of the franchise, including the highly anticipated reboot spearheaded by Ryan Coogler. Carter hinted at potential returns for David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, but also revealed he has “big plans” for Mulder and Scully, leaving fans buzzing with speculation.
Lingering Questions About The X-Files Universe
Carter was characteristically coy when I posed some of the internet’s most burning questions about The X-Files. However, he did offer intriguing glimpses into what might be in store for our favorite FBI agents. Let’s dive in.
What Happened to John Doggett?
One of the biggest mysteries surrounding The X-Files is the disappearance of FBI Agent John Doggett, portrayed by Robert Patrick. While Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish) made a triumphant return during the revival seasons, Doggett’s absence remained conspicuously unexplained. Carter revealed he had explored ways to bring Doggett back but ultimately couldn’t make it work. “We did get Monica Reyes in there and she got more than she bargained for,” he explained. “If we come back, I think you may see John Doggett after all.”
Is the Cigarette Smoking Man Still Alive?
The elusive Cigarette Smoking Man, a constant thorn in Mulder and Scully’s side, has seemingly cheated death countless times. In the season 11 finale, he met what appeared to be his final demise, shot by Mulder and plunged into the waters of Norfolk, Virginia. However, X-Files fans are notorious for their unwavering belief that he might just defy death once again. When asked about the Smoking Man’s current status, Carter responded with a knowing smile: “Good question. Yeah, he seems immortal, doesn’t he? He survives everything and anything.”
Is Assistant Director Skinner Still Alive?
Another beloved character whose fate remains uncertain is Assistant Director Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi). Last seen getting run over by a car in the season 11 finale, Skinner has also demonstrated an uncanny ability to bounce back from seemingly fatal situations. “You wonder,” Carter teased. “We left that inconclusive, but there were so many things we left inconclusive in that final episode.”
Is Scully Immortal?
A popular fan theory suggests that Agent Dana Scully might be immortal, thanks to two memorable episodes from the original series. In “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” Scully encounters a man who can foresee people’s deaths, but mysteriously states that she won’t die. Later, in another episode, Scully is about to succumb to her injuries when a photographer intervenes, sacrificing himself to save her. This act seemingly grants her the same immortality he possessed. During one of the revival seasons, Mulder even joked about this theory: “You forget, I’m immortal.” When asked directly if Scully is indeed immortal, Carter responded with a tantalizing hint: “It’s a good question. If Mulder and Scully ever reunite for season 12, I have something to say about that.” He also mentioned “‘My Struggle’ 1, 2, 3, and 4 had a design about where I wanted to take the series and I’m hoping we can see that.”
Would Season 12 Have Been His Final Season?
Given that Carter had a detailed plan for what would have been season 12 – potentially the final revival season – I couldn’t resist asking if he intended it to be the definitive end of The X-Files. “I don’t know,” he replied enigmatically. “It’s funny, I always likened us to Lewis and Clark. We knew where we were going, we just didn’t know how we’re going to get there.” He also expressed his desire to continue telling Mulder and Scully’s story: “I hope so. For me, it’s not over.”
The X-Files: I Want to Believe – Vrach Frankenshteyn is now available for streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus.
Source: Polygon
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