The first episode of The X-Files aired on Fox on September 10, 1993, with the final episode appearing on March 21, 2018. The show quickly became a symbol of the ’90s, focusing on conspiracy theories, government cover-ups, and alien encounters.
Over 11 seasons, FBI agents Mulder and Scully investigated mysterious cases, drawing viewers into a world of the supernatural. Here are some intriguing facts about the iconic show that even die-hard fans might not know.
Inspired by Alien Abduction Statistics
Writer and producer Chris Carter was fascinated by a report from Harvard professor John Mack, which claimed that 3% of Americans (around 3.7 million people) believed they had been abducted by aliens. Another inspiration came from the 1970s series Kolchak: The Night Stalker, where a journalist uncovers mysterious cases involving strange phenomena.
Different Actors Almost Played the Leads
Fox executives initially doubted Gillian Anderson for the role of Scully, preferring a more glamorous type like Pamela Anderson. However, Carter believed a bubbly blonde would ruin the character’s serious image. With his guidance, Gillian got the role. David Duchovny also wasn’t the first choice for Mulder—Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Dean Cain, and Kevin Sorbo were all considered, but Duchovny ultimately won out.
Duchovny and Anderson Are Unlike Their Characters
In real life, Gillian Anderson believes in extraterrestrial life, while Duchovny is much more of a realist. After the show aired, he often received letters from people claiming they were abducted by aliens, whom he dismissed as delusional. Interestingly, Carter purposely flipped the traditional gender roles, making the female character the skeptic and the male the believer in the paranormal.
Scully’s Character Was Modeled After Clarice Starling
Scully’s serious demeanor and professional appearance, complete with bobbed hair and tailored suits, were inspired by Clarice Starling, the main character in The Silence of the Lambs.
Scully’s Last Name Is a Tribute to a Sports Commentator
Scully’s surname was borrowed from Vin Scully, a legendary sports commentator. Many X-Files crew members were huge fans of his, and his voice can even be heard in the episode “The Unnatural.”
Anderson Had Barely Any Acting Experience Before the Show
At the time The X-Files started filming, Gillian Anderson was only 24 and had almost no film experience. She even lied about her age on her resume to seem older and more mature.
Anderson Stood on a Box to Match Duchovny’s Height
Due to the height difference between Duchovny (180 cm) and Anderson (160 cm), she often had to stand on a platform during scenes where they interacted face-to-face. Anderson admitted in interviews that she found this frustrating and even fell off the box a few times.
Anderson Was Pregnant During Filming
Gillian Anderson found out she was pregnant halfway through the first season. Fox executives tried to replace her with a more glamorous actress, but Carter stood by her. To hide her pregnancy, the wardrobe team selected specific clothing and camera angles. In the second season, her character was abducted by aliens, giving her a brief break from filming.
Scully’s Fiancé Was Cut From the Show
Scully was originally engaged to a character named Ethan Minette. However, after the pilot episode was filmed, the producers cut his scenes and decided not to develop a romantic storyline, focusing instead on the partnership between Mulder and Scully.
The FBI Doesn’t Exist in the Show’s Universe
If you look closely at Mulder and Scully’s badges, you’ll notice they work for the “Federal Bureau of Justice, Department of Investigation,” which doesn’t exist. This was done to avoid legal issues, as making realistic FBI badges is illegal.
The Cigarette-Smoking Man Wasn’t Meant to Be a Major Villain
William Davis, known as the mysterious Cigarette-Smoking Man, was a local actor hired in Vancouver, where early seasons were filmed. Initially, his character wasn’t meant to play a significant role, but fan demand brought him back as a major antagonist. He had quit smoking long before the show but had to start again, eventually switching to herbal cigarettes.
Over Half the Episodes Were Filmed in Vancouver
Vancouver’s eerie forests provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s supernatural themes, making it the filming location for seasons 1–5 and 11. Seasons 6–10 were shot in Los Angeles, partly due to Duchovny’s desire to spend more time with his wife.
Season 5 Was Supposed to Be the Final Season
All of the actors’ contracts were set to expire after the fifth season, but unexpectedly high ratings led Fox to renew the show. Chris Carter had planned to end the series and transition to making a feature film, but the show’s continued success forced him to adjust his plans.
The X-Files left a lasting cultural impact, forever associating Mulder and Scully with the search for the truth—and, of course, with aliens.