For a couple weeks now – scratch that – for YEARS now we’ve been hearing rumblings about an X-FILES sequel finally moving forward. But unfortunately it’s all been in the vein of “Yes it’s happening, we’re close, we’ve got a script, don’t worry, we won’t cocktease you for another half-decade,” etc..
Case in point: A few days ago Frank Spotnitz, an executive producer of the show and one of show creator Chris Carter’s closest confidants, astounded fans with this statement:
“Several people have e-mailed to ask about reports that the second “X-Files” feature is finally in the works. A script is indeed in development, but I’m afraid that’s all I can say. Thanks for your good wishes and support all these years.”
All I needed to know… (eyeroll)
Well, WIRED MAGAZINE apparently hounded Frank with requests for further details, and an “associate” of his (I’m picturing a gravel-voiced, grim-faced man in an overcoat ) threw a little cold water on all of our groins.
“Frank is very sorry but he cannot make any comments about XF2 right now but would be thrilled to talk when the time comes.”
Sci Fi Wire: “And when will that be?”
Shady Spotnitz flunky:”A sequel to ‘X Files’ has been in development for quite a while.”
Uhhh… No SHIT!!! (thats me, not Wired) Are David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson signed and ready?
“It’s not anywhere near that level yet.”
Sonofa-! I know many of us here at AITH are X-Files junkies and can’t wait for this flick to go forward, especially when rumors imply that it’ll deal less with the “mythology” of the series, and be more of a monster-of-the-week horror/thriller (my fav episodes were always those deeply disturbed, grotesque, but fun-as-hell, stand-alones).
It really seems to me that all involved aren’t as committed to reviving the franchise as we’d like to think – except for Chris Carter maybe, who misfired badly with his follow-up shows, and has been very dedicated to toiling over a lawsuit against 20th Century Fox until recently (when your products aren’t bringing in as much cash as they used to, sue for more!).
Ah well, I’m sure in a few weeks someone on the X-FILES team will say “Yeah, we’re all set to go, we’ve just got to work out some contracts and details, blah blah…” And we’ll all raise our eyebrows briefly, then sigh sadly as this thing more and more becomes the new INDIANA JONES 4 (but at least they’re finally making that now).