New 'X-Files' Return Details Tease Fallen Mulder, Post-9/11

The X-Files were officially reopened with the first batch of photos from 2016's FOX revival, even as many wondered what might change for Mulder and Scully after so many years out of the spotlight. Now, series stars and creator Chris Carter talk the state of Mulder and Scully in 2016, and how the post-9/11 climate influences the new X-Files.

Following yesterday’s photo release, Entertainment Weekly conjured up a few new tidbits on the six-episode revival from series stars David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and creator Chris Carter, naturally foremost that Mulder’s seemingly-dated fashion choices say something about the character in 2016. Says Duchovny, “Mulder’s not in a great place. He’s wearing bad jeans, so you can just extrapolate from my wardrobe. He’s in a dark, dark place.”

Set photos showed us that Scully would stick to her usual dapper wardrobe (outside of scrubs), while Chris Carter previewed how The X-Files has evolved from ‘90s culture into a broader distrust of the government:

The X-Files ended right after 9/11. A lot has happened since then. A lot of rollback of rights and liberties in the name of our protection. We’re being spied on now, we’re being lied to — all things that, for me, remind me of when I grew up, which was right around Watergate. I think we’re in similar and much more dire times right now.

The report also debunked rumors that the season’s second episode, “Home, Again” would function as a sequel to the iconic and inbred “Home,” Carter adding “We’re not going to reboot any of the old favorites, although it was something we all thought about. These are all brand new stories.”

Thus far, FOX’s X-Files return has also confirmed Mitch Pileggi and William B. Davis to reprise their roles beside David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, while Community star Joel McHale will play a conservative pundit who tasks Mulder and Scully with investigating a woman claiming to have been abducted (The Americans star Annet Mahendru). On the creative side, writers and producers Chris Carter, Glen Morgan and Jim Wong will return to write and direct, with Frank Spotnitz also eyed to pitch in, and composer Mark Snow also coming aboard.

The X-Files will shoot this summer for a premiere in January 2016, but what else might cast and crew reveal over the course of production? Will six episodes be enough time for both stand-alone and mythology arcs?

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