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‘The X-Files’ Revival Nears Greenlight At Fox; Network Eyes Short Order, Gillian Anderson & David Duchovny To Return
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.
As TVWise previously reported, 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.
An X-Files revival has been on the cards for months, with Fox finally confirming to reporters at the recent Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour that they were in talks for more X-Files. “Real progress” was made in the last month, after sources previous stated in January that Carter’s camp and Fox were “far apart” on terms. The new X-Files series follows in the footsteps of another key Fox franchise: 24 - which was successfully revived with 12 episode limited series Live Another Day.
It is hoped that the deal with the studio and other key players (including former members of the writing staff) will close soon and the X-Files revival will get that official green-light in the coming weeks. According to sources, Fox is aiming to make a “big announcement” just ahead of their upfront presentation in New York City this coming May. Representatives of both Fox and 20th Century Fox Television did not immediately respond to TVWise’s request for comment.
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.
As TVWise previously reported, 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.
An X-Files revival has been on the cards for months, with Fox finally confirming to reporters at the recent Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour that they were in talks for more X-Files. “Real progress” was made in the last month, after sources previous stated in January that Carter’s camp and Fox were “far apart” on terms. The new X-Files series follows in the footsteps of another key Fox franchise: 24 - which was successfully revived with 12 episode limited series Live Another Day.
It is hoped that the deal with the studio and other key players (including former members of the writing staff) will close soon and the X-Files revival will get that official green-light in the coming weeks. According to sources, Fox is aiming to make a “big announcement” just ahead of their upfront presentation in New York City this coming May. Representatives of both Fox and 20th Century Fox Television did not immediately respond to TVWise’s request for comment.
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(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-21 10:02 pm (UTC)(Now if Vince Gilligan was the show-runner...)
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-21 10:07 pm (UTC)And I know what you mean lol, honestly I think that people would be worrying about that more if the show had ended really strongly/not wanting a revival to ruin fans good thoughts about the show, but then everyone was already pretty down on season 9 and the finale episode, not to mention the second movie, so this could be their chance to end things on a stronger note?
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 12:29 am (UTC)It would be great if they could include CSM and Skinner and Krycek but they would just be icing on the cake.
Bring it on, baby!!!!
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 07:04 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 08:51 pm (UTC)I mean they had Mulder dead and rotting somehow come back from the dead. It was stupid but I'd get over it. Neither Krycek nor CSM died in a cool enough way for a retcon to bother me.
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 09:12 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 09:45 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 10:12 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 10:30 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 10:37 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 09:07 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 07:05 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 09:33 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 07:05 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 01:55 pm (UTC)Also, shallowly, they both look so different!
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 07:06 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-23 02:39 am (UTC)Agreed.
Is that Doug and Carol?! Oh, my goodness! I was going to post something about them the other day but thought, who really remembers them?
Guess I know who!
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-23 02:51 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 02:46 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 07:10 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 03:38 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 07:07 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 08:57 pm (UTC)I mean, I would probably get excited if Vince Gilligan were the showrunner, because at this point I will watch anything he's involved with. But X-Files was my first fandom (and by a weird coincidence, I saw the guy who introduced me to X-Files fanfic today) but I don't think I quite got over my bitterness at how shit the last few seasons were. I watched until the end but the finale felt like a mercy killing.
And I'm not sure it could have the same resonance as it did then. It was very much about a 90s cultural moment. Given the anti-vax movement, sovereign citizens, Tea Partiers, etc., I think that it would really have to change or be irrelevant. The alternative is something like Fringe, which was more straight-up sci-fi, but I can't see an X-Files reboot doing a better job than Fringe did.
I could be wrong, though. I thought Better Call Saul sounded like a silly idea at first too.
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 09:50 pm (UTC)I can see your point on how 90's the feel was, it probably wouldn't work as a perfect continuation of the show, but I think it would still be interesting to try idk. Also a TV series would hopefully mean some of the original writers joining Chris Carter (on his own he can be so hit or miss), a tv series should bring back more of the feel of the original series if there's a mix of writers and tone, as opposed to CC's last attempt at a movie
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 09:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 10:01 pm (UTC)I guess that I'm also focusing on how great it's going to be for reviving the fandom lol, even if the TV series doesn't ultimately turn out to be what we were hoping for, the X Files geek in me is still excited to have new canon
and M/S momentsto discussAnd hey btw! I didn't realise that you still visited LJ :)
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 10:20 pm (UTC)And aw, hey. I don't visit that much to be honest... my f'list is depressingly like a ghost town nowadays. It's nice to see a few people like yourself and are still posting and there's discussion going on!
(no subject)
Date: 2015-03-22 10:32 pm (UTC)And I was never really into the fandom at the time sadly, I didn't have regular internet access until pretty late! Buffy was my first exposure to online fandom
And LJ does seem to get quieter every year sadly, I'm just doing my best to keep my little corner of it alive by obsessively adding from friending memes whenever I can to help with the activity level. I cannot do fandom on tumblr, it seems next to impossible to make any connections there and actually have discussions with people. (Plus the age level there makes me feel old lol, practically everyone seems to list their age as 20 or younger)