David Duchovny Talks X-Files Revival: Mulder ‘Worst FBI Agent Of All Time’
The New York Times interviewed David Duchovny about his new series, Aquarius, soon to be on NBC, and naturally the new X-Files came up. Duchovny reflected on the old series and speculated on the new X-Files.
Judging from what the actor said, the new X-Files will not be a re-imagining of the X-Files, with major changes to style and story, like with J.J. Abrams new Star Trek movies or Christopher Nolan’s Batman films. X-Files will be the same show, but with much older actors.
The original ran from 1993 to 2002. In addition to being the 11th most watched TV series in its heyday, the X-Files won 16 Emmys, five Golden Globes, and a Peabody. Duchovny reaffirmed the show’s popularity to the New York Times.
“They call it a cult show but it wasn’t really a cult show. It was actually a big hit. People call it a cult show because of the subject matter.”
Duchovny insisted the new six-episode X-Files will be the same show as before.
“We’re still trying to do the same show. It’s not like were trying to make it 2.0, or whatever the.0 is now. 3.0. We’re gonna make the same show. But it’ll be interesting because Gillian and I are older. I don’t want to act like it’s 20 years ago.”
The new X-Files’ similarity will come right down to the characters personalities — and poor work habits.
“The interesting thing about Mulder is nominally he is law enforcement but he never solved one case in nine years. So he’s the worst F.B.I. agent of all time.”
When asked if Mulder would be solving a case in the new six-episode stint, he said, “I don’t know. I hope not. That would really change the show.”
Nevertheless, Duchovny did hint about one change to satisfy more health-conscience X-Files viewers. When asked if the mysterious smoking man would smoke e-cigarettes now, the actor replied, “That’s a good question.”
“Maybe he’ll have Nicorette gum. He’ll be the Gum-Chewing Man.”
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, William Davis, the man who played the smoking man, was contacted before the X-Files announcement to check on his availability. Of course, in the story, the smoking man is dead, but that’s no reason to completely discount his return.
The Huffington Post reports that the new X-Files will be on Fox, just like the old show, and run for about six episodes. The series’ creator, Chris Carter, got Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, making the new show so similar it’s just like they took a “13-year commercial break.”
The full New York Times interview with David Duchovny can be found here.
[Image Credit: Getty Images]