Gillian Anderson confirms she's quitting The X-Files
'I’ve said from the beginning this is it for me'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The X-Files returns for season 11 in 2018, though with one sad caveat: this will be Gillian Anderson’s last outing as Dana Scully.
Back in October, the actor suggested that the season would be her last, though a statement from FOX at the time seemed to shoot down any official departure, stating Anderson “has not commented on returning as it’s premature in that she is currently filming the new event series.”
With new episodes now mere days away, Anderson has doubled down on her comments, telling TV Insider: “I’ve said from the beginning this is it for me,” she explains. “I was a bit surprised by people’s [shocked] reaction to my announcement... because my understanding was that this was a single season.”
Which seems to suggest season 11 will offer some finality to the story of Dana Scully and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny); especially since the show’s initial six-episode return ended on a tense cliffhanger, as Mulder was near death after contracting the contagion threatening to ravage the planet. Scully may have developed a vaccine, but it was too late, and their only hope lies now in William, the son she gave up for adoption 14 years earlier.
Does Anderson’s departure ensure this will be The X-Files‘ final season? It’s not clear, with creator Chris Carter offering only: “There are a lot more X-Files stories to tell. Whether we get to tell them is a question mark. The truth is out there.”
The X-Files premieres Wednesday, 3 January at 8/7c on Fox.
Follow Independent Culture on Facebook for all the latest on Film, TV, Music, and more.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments