Fox debates X-Files future if Gillian Anderson exits

Will The X-Files continue beyond the newly launched 11th season?

It depends on which Fox executive you ask, and how you phrase the question.

At the Television Critics Association’s press tour in Pasadena, California, on Thursday, Fox chairman Dana Walden was asked by reporters about reports star Gillian Anderson was ready to quit the show, and that creator Chris Carter has expressed reluctance to continue without his leading lady.

“It seems like if those are the circumstances, there wouldn’t be any more X-Files,” she said simply.

Afterward, her fellow chairman Gary Newman was asked about Walden’s dire-sounding comments in regard to the iconic drama, which is now 25 years old.

“I don’t think that’s what Dana meant,” he replied. “I think she was responding to the question where the gentleman said that Gillian has said she doesn’t want to do the series anymore, and Chris has said he wouldn’t do this series without Gillian. Well, if you believe both things, then there would be no more X-Files. I think you could’ve asked Chris, David [Duchovny] or Gillian at various times since the show originally went off the air, ‘Would you do The X-Files [again]?’ and some days you’d get a ‘yes,’ some days you’d get a ‘no.’ They’ve done two additional seasons. I would not foreclose the possibility that in the future there would be more. But not only are there no plans, there hasn’t been a single conversation about it.”

So … does that mean you’re hopeful, or not?

“It would be foolish for me to even speculate on it,” he replied. “Obviously, we love this show, love the people involved and we’re excited to have it back on our air.”

The back and forth comes on the heels of the veteran sci-fi drama’s return, which delivered an underwhelming 5.2 million viewers and a 1.4 rating among adults 18-49 — though there are still nine more episodes to go and the series could gather steam as it begins its popular stand-alone episodes.

The new season opened with a shocking twist that divided fans (read our interview with Carter about the premiere). Carter has also said the season finale will end with a surprise that would serve as both a strong season ender but also a possible series closer as well.