Gillian Anderson opens up to David Duchovny about leavingThe X-Files, as the two co-stars share a candid conversation. Anderson and Duchovny are television icons for their portrayals of Dana Scully and Fox Murder, respectively, with their off-screen relationship and thoughts on the series gaining just as much attention as their ongoing saga of aliens and government conspiracies. Anderson had said at one point that she would not want to return forThe X-Filesseason 12, though she has since softened that stance.
In an interview on Duchovny’sFail Betterpodcast, viaConsequence, Anderson reflects on herdislike for Scully’s direction duringThe X-Filesseason 11. The two-time Emmy winner particularly cites Scully’s hyper-focus on her son, William, and becoming a character that lacked agency. The actor said that thiscontributed to her decision to leave the series:
“It was the first time that I got the sense of like, oh, am I the only one that thinks that [the show won’t go on]. Everybody else seems really disappointed that I’ve just declared that.”
“I wasn’t really enjoying the direction that it was heading… and I didn’t have a voice in it. And so I felt like I needed to move on to something where I might have more of a voice.”
During the podcast, which is part of Lemonada Media, Duchovny and Anderson also spoke of how Duchovny exited the series during its original run. Duchovny later returned for guest appearances, in a standalone film, and the short-lived revival, but he was no longer a regular cast member after season 7. Anderson said during the podcast that she also thought about leaving. The two co-stars share a funny exchange when Anderson reveals why she decided to stay:
Anderson:“[At the time], I thought at first I thought, well, then we’re both going to [quit], because clearly I can’t go on without him. I don’t think I blamed you at all. I don’t think I was upset.”
Duchovny:“Well, thanks a lot.”
Anderson:“They started talking about, well, if you stay on, you can actually make some good money. And I kind of went, ‘Oh, okay. Well that’s…’”
Duchovny:“‘Well, f–k him.’”
Anderson:“Yeah.” [laughs]
What Anderson’s Comments Reveal About The X-Files
She Wasn’t Alone In Her Dislike
The turn thatThe X-Filestakes in its later years and in the revival was generally derided. It was thought of as a pivot away from what worked about the sci-fi drama in favor of a convoluted, increasingly shifting mythology that had long since lost steam. Series creator Chris Carter acknowledged this, reflecting on his regret that the story remains unresolved and sharing that Anderson got upset with him overThe X-Filesseason 11 ending.
Areboot ofThe X-Filesiscurrently in the works fromBlack PantherandCreeddirector Ryan Coogler. No details are known about the project outside of Coogler’s attachment. It’s likewise unclear if this new project will exist in the same world as the original series or as its own separate offshoot. At different times, however,Anderson and Duchovny have said that they’d be open to joining the rebootdepending on the story.
Our Take On Anderson’s Comments
It’s Good To See The Co-Stars Talk About It
Considering the fact thatAnderson and Duchovny didn’t get alongduring the original series, it is a welcome change to hear the duo openly talking about the sci-fi staple and their experiences years later. They’ve said that they have a much friendlier relationship now that they no longer regularly portray Mulder and Scully. Considering the on-screen chemistry they had, even at times when they weren’t speaking to each other off-camera, it’s no surprise there’s still a lot of curiosity and interest in what drove their decisions. They’ve also all gone on to shine in other performances, with Duchovny’sCalifornicationand Anderson in dramas likeThe CrownandHannibal.
The X-Files Season 11 Finale Explained
The X-Files Season 11 finale was filled with some serious game-changers for Mulder, Scully, Skinner, and the Smoking Man. But was it really the end?
Anderson has a point. Carter had invested too much in the mythology ofThe X-Files, even when interest had waned. That, in turn, negatively impacted how he wrote core characters and dynamics. Reboots don’t work all that often, but a fresh pair of eyes on a familiar presence may be just what the franchise needs.
The X-Files
Cast
The X-files takes the police procedural formula and applies it to sci-fi mysteries. Conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder and skeptic Dana Scully team up to solve cases surrounding alien invasions and other unexplained, paranormal phenomena.
