Vince Gilligan Confirms He Will Not Be Returning To The X-Files

The X-Files is one of those rare shows that managed to change the landscape of television – not just with its own groundbreaking achievements, but by being an incubator of talent that later delivered other world-class television drama. It is thanks to The X-Files, for example, that we have multiple award-winning Homeland – created by X-Files writing room alumni Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. Likewise, without The X-Files, there would arguably be no Breaking Bad, and therefore no Better Call Saul – because television genius Vince Gilligan cut his teeth on Chris Carter’s hit show.

It was only natural, then, that fans asked the question when the return of The X-Files was announced – would Vince Gilligan be back, too? The writer-producer-director recently confirmed the suspicions of the audience while conducting a Reddit question and answer session.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be writing for the reboot, because my work on Better Call Saul will keep me from doing that. I’m very sad to miss out, because I would love to have a hand in The X-Files reboot. The X-Files was my second favorite job ever – a close second to Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and I’d love to be a part of it. Rest assured, I will be watching it as a fan. I can’t wait to see it.

“I had so many favourite X-Files episodes, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. If you held my feet to the fire, I’d probably say “Bad Blood.” But really, as an experience, my favourite writing moment on The X-Files was probably writing the “Je Souhaite” episode. That’s the one with the genie. That’s because that’s the first episode I got to direct as well as write. And it was really a wonderful turning point in my career and it was a great deal of fun to boot.”

While this is something of a bitter disappointment to fans, it was certainly expected – given the well-deserved success of Better Call Saul. All is not lost, though, because a number of the original creative team have been confirmed as returning to The X-Files for its new six episode season, due to be released in 2016. In addition to creator Chris Carter, and stars Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi and William B. Davis, both Glen Morgan and James Wong are set to re-ignite the spooky magic.