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The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot

The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot

You loved it! So, here’s more of our unique lineup of Black stars who can remake the sci-fi classic.

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Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: FOX Image Collection (Getty Images)

I know The X-Files is a show fans feel is untouchable. Despite its occasional missteps, it remains a classic. If there’s one person we trust with a modern, more “diverse” reboot, it’s Ryan Coogler. With that in mind, we have a few ideas for who we’d like to see take on the franchise’s complex mythology in a new Black X-Files.

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2 / 25

Cliff “Method Man” Smith - Walter Skinner

Cliff “Method Man” Smith - Walter Skinner

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Brian de Rivera Simon (Getty Images)

Loyal to his agents, brilliantly navigates FBI bureaucracy and has a badass swagger while doing it. That can only be Method Man.

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3 / 25

Giancarlo Esposito - Cigarette Smoking Man

Giancarlo Esposito - Cigarette Smoking Man

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Jeff Spicer (Getty Images)

I know it’s typecasting to choose Giancarlo Esposito to be the bad guy, but he’s so good at it. You want mysterious and menacing, you call him.

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4 / 25

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell - The Lone Gunmen

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell - The Lone Gunmen

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Amy Sussman (Getty Images)

I know there are three Lone Gunmen, but come on, Kenan and Kel is just too perfect.

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5 / 25

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Jon Kopaloff (Getty Images)

From her work in The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, to Swarm, to the upcoming Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, it’s clear Dominique Fishback can handle anything. She’d be a very cool Scully, but I also want to see her take on Mulder.

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6 / 25

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Bennett Raglin (Getty Images)

Nathan Stewart-Jarrett has a fascinating presence that makes you want to know more about all his characters.

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7 / 25

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer (Getty Images)

Her time on Sleepy Hollow showed us she can fit in perfectly in a weird, sometimes nonsensical, sci-fi/fantasy world. In that series, she was definitely the Scully in the partnership. This time around, I’d like to see her walk on the other side as the Mulder.

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8 / 25

Lakeith Stanfield

Lakeith Stanfield

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Photo: Kevin Winter (Getty Images)

Lakeith Stanfield has the right X-Files mix of nerdy energy and idealistic truth seeker.

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9 / 25

Kirby Howell-Baptiste

Kirby Howell-Baptiste

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Charley Gallay (Getty Images)

She has an amazing ability to perfectly blend drama, comedy and fantasy, all the most crucial elements to The X-Files enduring popularity.

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10 / 25

John Boyega

John Boyega

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Joe Maher (Getty Images)

Action, comedy, drama, John Boyega does it all. It feels like he’s tailor made to be the new Mulder.

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11 / 25

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith

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Photo: Jon Kopaloff (Getty Images)

Scully is the grounded non-believer. Jodie Turner-Smith can embody her mix of intelligence and pragmatism.

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12 / 25

Jesse Williams

Jesse Williams

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Francois Durand (Getty Images)

So, about that sexy, undeniable, explosive chemistry between Mulder and Scully, may I suggest Jesse Williams?

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13 / 25

Nathalie Emmanuel

Nathalie Emmanuel

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Photo: Eamonn M. McCormack (Getty Images)

Her work with Kevin Hart in Die Hart lends itself to the absurdity some of the cases offer.

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14 / 25

Edi Gathegi

Edi Gathegi

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Photo: Robin L Marshall (Getty Images)

He could add a fascinating hint of danger to either Mulder or Scully.

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15 / 25

Cynthia Addai-Robinson

Cynthia Addai-Robinson

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Photo: Jon Kopaloff (Getty Images)

Her history of playing strong, no nonsense women in Spartacus, Arrow and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power translates brilliantly to portraying Scully.

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16 / 25

Jay Ellis

Jay Ellis

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Mike Coppola (Getty Images)

Let’s not forget how charming Mulder could be when he needed to be.

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17 / 25

KiKi Layne

KiKi Layne

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Photo: Rodin Eckenroth (Getty Images)

Don’t forget that Mulder and Scully were exceptional agents, who excelled at their jobs despite the craziness they were involved in. We definitely need a verified action star.

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18 / 25

William Jackson Harper

William Jackson Harper

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Cindy Ord (Getty Images)

What made David Duchovny so fascinating was his draw as a quirky sex symbol. William Jackson Harper definitely falls in that category.

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19 / 25

Jurnee Smollett

Jurnee Smollett

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Photo: Amy Sussman (Getty Images)

While all these actresses would be great in a new X-Files, it feels like Jurnee Smollett should absolutely be the top choice. Throughout her long career, we’ve seen her do every genre necessary to make this project perfect.

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20 / 25

John David Washington

John David Washington

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Theo Wargo (Getty Images)

If we’re looking for someone who can make the show’s wild conspiracies and mythology seem completely reasonable, John David Washington fits the bill.

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21 / 25

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

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Photo: Jacopo M. Raule (Getty Images)

It’s hard to match the captivating presence of Gillian Anderson, but Gugu Mbatha-Raw might be the one of the few actresses who can come close.

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22 / 25

Chukwudi Iwuji

Chukwudi Iwuji

Image for article titled The X-Files: More Black Actors We Want to See Join Ryan Coogler’s Reboot
Photo: Frazer Harrison (Getty Images)

His hilariously over-the-top performance in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 will help him embody the series’ dry wit.

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23 / 25

Candice Patton

Candice Patton

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Photo: Frazer Harrison (Getty Images)

Candice Patton is brilliant at keeping her head as sci-fi shenanigans are going crazy around her.

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24 / 25

Donald Glover

Donald Glover

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Photo: Rodin Eckenroth (Getty Images)

Donald Glover always delivers unique, fresh projects. Collaborating with Ryan Coogler could lead to something really special.

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