Gillian Anderson Talks X-Files Rumors and Legacy
For anyone obsessed with Gillian Anderson’s work, you know the rumors about an X-Files comeback never really cool down. This summer, those rumors flared up again after Anderson joined ITV1's This Morning to discuss Ryan Coogler’s much-buzzed-about reboot. Anderson didn’t give fans a straight yes or no about returning as Dana Scully, but she did say she thinks Coogler is the right person to lead the project. 'If anyone were to do it, I think you are the perfect person,' she told him. She kept things open, saying she wouldn't rule out picking up the phone if an offer came in and the project felt right.
Anderson also got a bit reflective about her famous X-Files character and what she’s meant to so many people. Scully’s influence on women in science and on LGBTQ+ fans has become part of pop culture history. Anderson admits the impact Scully had is more obvious now, with fans reaching out to share how the character shaped their lives and choices. It's a legacy she calls 'real' and one that means a lot in hindsight, especially as conversations around diversity in Hollywood keep evolving.
From Sci-Fi to Social Change: Anderson’s New Projects
There’s a lot more on Anderson’s plate than just aliens and conspiracies. She’s officially been cast in Disney’s upcoming blockbuster, Tron: Ares. Set to hit theaters in October 2025, the film will see her alongside Jared Leto, who stars as the digital world’s newest AI on a mission to cross into reality. Promotional banners for Tron: Ares have already started popping up in San Diego, hinting at big reveals and buzz leading up to Comic-Con 2025.
But it’s not all just Hollywood glitz. In July, Anderson traveled to Tangier, Morocco, to perform in a special charity production of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. The event directed its proceeds to local causes and brought together international artists for a night of theater with an impact. Fans following Anderson on Instagram caught behind-the-scenes moments and got a peek at her ongoing collaborations with projects like @this.is.gspot and @g_ode_uncut, both focused on encouraging open dialogue around women's health and empowerment.
Anderson’s also doubling down on lifting up fresh voices in film and TV. She was recently named as a keynote speaker and mentor for The Writers Lab UK and Europe in 2025. Alongside filmmaker Marie Kreutzer and Netflix exec Mona Qureshi, she’s set to help guide new screenwriters from across the region. The Lab is known for fast-tracking talent into the industry, with a focus on women and underrepresented creators.
If you thought Anderson would slow down after three decades in the spotlight, think again. Whether she’s considering another go with The X-Files, prepping for Tron’s leap into theaters, or performing on a Moroccan stage for charity, she keeps finding new ways to make an impact—in Hollywood and beyond.