David Duchovny on The X-Files: ‘It wasn’t really a cult show, it was a big hit’

paleyFest X Files
We’ve heard that The X-Files is coming back with the original stars, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, and that it will begin filming a six episode season this summer. Creator Chris Carter is on board as showrunner, and there’s hope that the rebooted X-Files can bring back some of the supernatural yet sciencey magic that won legions of fans.

The NY Times has a new interview with star David Duchovny, now 54 and still looking incredible, about the history of the show and what he sees coming for its future. He’s somewhat candid, admitting that he was never into the paranormal and at one point claiming that Fox Mulder was the “worst F.B.I. agent of all time” because he never solved a case. Here are some quotes from Duchovny, with more at the source:

On X-Files being called a cult show
They call it a cult show but it wasn’t really a cult show. It was actually a big hit. People call it a cult show because of the subject matter.

On working on the show again
The good things are working with Chris and Gillian again, and getting to do this show again and see what we’ve got. I’m as curious as anybody else. I’m amazed that there’s still an appetite for it and I’m touched. I think the frame of the show is so expansive and so unique and so influential, that it should feel present.

On why he thinks the show “continues to resonate”
You look around at these cultural juggernauts, the ones that came after us… Like “The Twilight Zone,” it ushered in a paranormal theme, and a scary theme and a horror-movie feel that was lacking, for whatever reason, not only on television but in movies as well. Now movies and television are dominated by this genre.

On if he knew the show was groundbreaking when he first took the job
No. I was just trying to pay the rent. I’m really bad with that stuff – I’ve never been interested in paranormal stuff. I liked horror movies when I was a kid, but only when I was a kid. When “The X-Files” came around, it was a well-written pilot and kind of a cool character, this irreverent F.B.I. agent. But who’s gonna wanna watch a show about aliens? Honestly, I was the wrong guy to ask that question. I had no idea.

Was asked if he’s played a law enforcement character post-Mulder
I [don’t] think so. The interesting thing about Mulder is nominally he is law enforcement but he never solved one case in nine years. So he’s the worst F.B.I. agent of all time. As F.B.I. agents, I would say we were not by the book. Especially Mulder.

[From The NY Times via Pajiba]

I really enjoyed this interview, especially how skeptical Duchovny is of the paranormal. (Yet he was the believer and Scully was the skeptic on the show.) Duchovny is even realistic about his character being ineffective at his job. I can relate in that I don’t believe in much that can’t be proven and yet I loved this show. There was something so unique about Mulder and Scully’s relationship. Together they made the creepiest, most unbelievable scenarios seem real and ominous.

As for the future of the show, I hope they bring in current technology as they often did and make it central to the plot. I recently rewatched some of their tech-centric episodes and while they were dated they still sucked me in. Maybe that’s because I lived through that period in technology and it doesn’t seem like that long ago. Neither does the end of the X-Files.

photo credit: WENN.com

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25 Responses to “David Duchovny on The X-Files: ‘It wasn’t really a cult show, it was a big hit’”

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  1. Little Darling says:

    David Duchovny, why don’t you love me?

  2. aims says:

    I miss the 90’s!!!

  3. Cindy says:

    Love them, love the x-files, I so want the six episodes to be a hit and become a regular show again. Not the government stuff, cause it seems played out, but the paranormal stuff. Please Please Please. Is it weird that I love looking at Gillian A’s face? it is sort of exquisite.

    • Lisa says:

      EVERYONE loves looking at Gillian’s face. I don’t know how she gets anything done, because if I looked like her, I’d have a little hat with a mirror hanging from a fishing rod in front of me.

  4. Jessica says:

    YES!! Hopefully this wont interfere with The Walking Dead or the spinoff.. Didn’t X-Files used to come on at 9:00 pm on Sundays?

  5. Paige says:

    I’m a huge X- Files fan. I’ve watched this series over and over again. I can’t wait!!! 🙂

    • Lilo says:

      Me too. I was in the midst of my bi-annual X-Files marathon when they announced the new episodes and now I am THIS close to watch them all over again…again! 😀

    • Lolo-ology says:

      Me too! I2 yr old me was OBSESSED with the show when it came out. 😀

  6. Lisa says:

    He’s right, it wasn’t a cult show from the beginning, the way Twin Peaks was. XF was a big hit for Fox for the first few years. I think we started getting cranky after s7, but it still drew an audience until the end! I cut my teeth on the forums starting in 2001, where there was never a shortage of conversation, even after it was over.

  7. mia girl says:

    Everything about this gives me the happies!!!!

  8. A. Key says:

    He’s right! And refreshingly candid too.
    I really hope they succeed in bringing the magic back and those 6 episodes become a hit. I so miss this intelligent unique charming show.

  9. OTHER RENEE says:

    Happy dance! Seriously ecstatic.

  10. Jen43 says:

    I remember an interview/photo spread Gillian did ages ago. She claimed that in real life, she was more into paranormal than David. Basically, David confirmed this about himself. I am so ridiculously excited about this. Now, if only Keifer would sign on for another 24, I would completely collapse with happiness.

  11. ybxdddllas says:

    I gave up on the show because they always hinted at the monsters. Grimm actually shows them.

  12. lucy2 says:

    I’m looking forward to this, I loved the show and hope the new episodes are fun and well done.
    I wonder if DD being skeptical helped his portrayal of Mulder seem pretty grounded, despite his beliefs. Mulder was always kind of matter of fact when talking about it.
    I still can’t get over how young Gillian was when she did the show.

  13. delphi says:

    Mulder…rowr 😉

    The show was at it’s peak when I was a teenager, and it was so cool having a strong female character like Scully on the air. Wven after the whole alien abduction/implantation storyline she was still a badass.

    And the sideshow and “Eve 6” episodes still freak me out to this day.

  14. Barhey says:

    Gilliam Anderson is so gorgeous, and they had such great chemistry on the show. I love it!

  15. d says:

    Watched some of the series again on Netflix recently; good God was Duchovney a terrible actor. I never realized how awful and annoying he was on the X-Files. And watching Anderson again was a pure revelation at how GOOD she was and still is. I don’t know if Duchovney’s gotten better (I tried watching Californication but it got too insufferable for me), but eeehhh, I don’t know if I care to watch any more x-files shows. It feels dated now. I’d only watch for Gillian.

  16. TrixC says:

    Amazing how both actors have got a lot better looking with age. Is it just me?