# Coogler's X‑Files pilot completed, theatrical window weighed > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cooglers-proximity-media-netflix-partnership > Updated: 2026-07-30T21:35:38.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 7. The two‑hour X‑Files reboot pilot, shot on 65 mm film and starring Himesh Patel and Danielle Deadwyler, has moved into post‑production. Ryan Coogler, also serving as showrunner, says the episode could be released as a standalone theatrical event before any series order is confirmed. Disney and Hulu have not yet decided whether to launch the pilot on Hulu, push it to cinemas, or pursue both avenues. The pilot adds momentum to the multi‑year Proximity Media‑Netflix agreement announced in June 2026, which also includes projects such as a live‑action adaptation of “Southern Bastards.” While the series still lacks a full order, the completed pilot keeps the franchise’s revival on track and leaves open the possibility of a prestige‑film window. Hulu will also release a director’s‑cut of the 2008 film “The X‑Files: I Want to Believe” in Poland on 14 August 2026, featuring restored footage and a Russian‑language track, underscoring the platform’s broader strategy to revitalize the franchise. In July 2026 the original series star Gillian Anderson publicly praised Coogler’s script, calling it “brilliant” and labeling him “the perfect person” to lead the reboot. Anderson hinted at a possible cameo and noted the pilot was filmed in Vancouver. Her endorsement adds industry support as Disney and Hulu weigh distribution options. Later in July, Anderson reiterated her praise, confirming the script’s brilliance and noting that Hulu ordered the pilot in February 2026 after Coogler’s success with the film *Sinners*. The pilot is positioned as a fresh era for the franchise, aiming to attract both longtime fans and new viewers. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-30: Gillian Anderson praises Ryan Coogler as perfect lead for X‑Files reboot Gillian Anderson calls Ryan Coogler’s X‑Files reboot script brilliant, calls him the perfect lead, and stays coy on a cameo; pilot filmed in Vancouver with new leads, ordered by Hulu. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gillian-anderson-backs-ryan-coogler-for-hulu-x-files-reboot ### 2026-07-22: Ryan Coogler's X‑Files Reboot Pilot Completed, May Get Theatrical Release Ryan Coogler’s X‑Files reboot pilot, shot on 65 mm and about two hours long, is finished and may see a theatrical release before a series decision, featuring Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryan-cooglers-xfiles-reboot-pilot-completed-may-get-theatrical-release ### 2026-07-19: X‑Files reboot set for Hulu with Ryan Coogler as showrunner Ryan Coogler leads a Hulu X‑Files reboot shot on 65 mm film with a possible theatrical pilot, while a director’s cut of the 2008 film debuts on Hulu in August 2026. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xfiles-reboot-set-for-hulu-with-ryan-coogler-as-showrunner ### 2026-07-17: Ryan Coogler completes two‑hour X‑Files reboot pilot on 65mm film, may be released as a movie Ryan Coogler completed a two‑hour X‑Files reboot pilot shot on 65 mm film and has asked Disney to consider a theatrical release, though Hulu has not green‑lit a series. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xfiles-revival-pilot-directed-by-ryan-coogler-may-become-feature-film ### 2026-06-24: Hulu Orders Pilot for Ryan Coogler‑Backed X‑Files Reboot, Delays Full Series Hulu has ordered only a pilot for Ryan Coogler’s X‑Files reboot starring Himesh Patel and Danielle Deadwyler, citing a cautious approach to avoid rushing the series. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hulu-orders-pilot-for-ryan-cooglerbacked-xfiles-reboot-delays-full-series ### 2026-06-22: Ryan Coogler Secures Netflix Deal and Hulu X‑Files Pilot Order Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media signed a Netflix development deal, and his Hulu‑based X‑Files reboot has only a pilot ordered as Hulu takes a cautious, pilot‑first approach. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryan-coogler-secures-netflix-deal-and-hulu-xfiles-pilot-order ### 2026-06-18: Ryan Coogler's Proximity Media signs multi-year series deal with Netflix Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media has inked a multi‑year exclusive series partnership with Netflix, ending its Disney+ deal and planning new pilots such as a revived “The X‑Files” and a “Southern Bastards” live‑ad 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryan-cooglers-proximity-media-signs-multi-year-series-deal-with-netflix --- Cite as: Coogler's X‑Files pilot completed, theatrical window weighed. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cooglers-proximity-media-netflix-partnership