The X-Files reboot is on the horizon, with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler understood to be developing the proposed series. With the project in its early stages, a lot is under the wraps, including replacements of legendary FBI Special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, portrayed by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson respectively.
The pair’s investigations involving the paranormal started in 1993 and went on for 11 seasons, with Mulder and Dana using contrasting approaches to probe into several unresolved cases. The dynamic between Duchovny and Anderson and their individual qualities played a big part in the series’ success and how Coogler ropes in to play these characters would have a big say in attracting and retaining the attention of the fans of the original series. Accordingly, we’ve taken a look at six MCU stars, including Robert Downey Jr., who might be a good option to play Mulder.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. has already perfectly brought Tony Stark’s complicated Marvel Comics personality to the big screen. With David Duchovny‘s Mulder also as complicated as Tony, Downey Jr., wouldn’t find it too hard to play the role.
Another trait that both Tony and Mulder share is their dedication toward their goal. The FBI Agent is very passionate about uncovering the truth, akin to Downey Jr’s character, who annoys Pepper Potts in Iron Man with his obsession to save the world.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch won’t be able to take much from his experience of playing Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange in the MCU to make a difference in The X-Files reboot.
However, before he became Marvel’s Sorcerer, he spent plenty of time investigating the most unusual cases as none other than Sherlock Holmes in the British mystery crime drama Sherlock. Resumes don’t get much better than that when it comes to finding a lead for an investigative show.
Chris Evans
In one of the episodes of The X-Files, when Scully was asked to describe her partner, she said: “He’s a jerk. No, he’s not a jerk. He’s, um… he’s obsessed with his work.”
This perhaps describes Mulder the best. Duchovny’s character is not your typical protagonist, who is passionate about doing good. The only thing that drives him is his obsession to unravel mysteries, even if it means taking some questionable paths in his pursuit, making him more of an anti-hero.
The description of The X-Files lead might be very attractive for Evans, who has consistently insisted that he’s keen on playing a darker character after being bored of saving the world as the ultimate good guy, Captain America.
Chris Hemsworth
As far as physical aspects are concerned, Fox Mulder and Thor couldn’t be more different. As such, Chris Hemsworth’s muscles wouldn’t be of much use in unraveling the paranormal mysteries.
However, Fox has time and again embroiled himself in dangerous situations due to his never-ending thirst to know more, and in each moment, his mental resilience has helped him thrive. In that regard, the Extraction star will be an excellent fit thanks to his experience of playing Tyler Rake, who thrives in life-threatening situations due to his resilience and composure amid the chaos in Southern Asia.
Paul Rudd
Among many things that Paul Rudd always brings to the table in his performances, the one that always stands out is his comic timing. The 54-year-old entered the ever-so-serious universe of Marvel and made Ant-Man the funniest Avenger with his countless jokes and ability to improvise the otherwise darker sequences.
Accordingly, if Coogler attempts to bring a refreshing take on The X-Files and make Mulder more likable to the viewers and as well as his partner, Dana, someone charming like Rudd can prove to be a masterstroke casting decision.
Oscar Isaac
Be it the portrayal of Marc Spector, a former United States Marine and mercenary with dissociative identity disorder, in Moon Knight or a narcissistic techy Nathan Bateman in Ex Machina, Oscar Isaac is the actor with the most experience in playing complex characters with amoral inclinations in this list.
Throughout 11 seasons, Duchovny’s Fox has always divided opinion with his obsession to unravel mysteries – which is motivated more by an unjust sense of his own importance than any moral duty. Accordingly, if Coogler wants his detective to be like Duchovny’s original version, he could do a lot worse than get in touch with Isaac.
