Robert Patrick, who portrayed Agent John Doggett in the final two seasons of The X-Files, has finally addressed the growing rumors surrounding Ryan Coogler’s planned reboot of the series — and he’s made it clear he’s eager to return. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Patrick expressed his affection for the role, calling Doggett his “favorite character of all time,” and said he would gladly step back into the character’s shoes if given the opportunity.
The actor, currently promoting the third season of Tulsa King, reflected on what Doggett might be doing in the decades since The X-Files ended its original run in 2002. “It’d be interesting to see what’s happened to him in the elapsed time,” Patrick said. “They’ve never had me back before, because of my schedule. I’ve always been too busy. But that’s the character that’s most dear to my heart — a strong, tough guy, but with a heart of gold.”
Patrick’s comments come as The X-Files franchise gears up for a major revival under Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, who confirmed earlier this year that he is developing a new take on the classic sci-fi procedural. Coogler has the support of original series creator Chris Carter and has stated that his goal is to create something that both honors the original and appeals to a new generation of viewers.
First introduced in Season 8, Doggett joined the FBI’s X-Files division after the disappearance of Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), working alongside Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) to investigate cases involving the unexplained. A former Marine and NYPD detective, Doggett brought a grounded, skeptical approach to the paranormal investigations that defined the series. Though his arrival — along with Annabeth Gish’s character Monica Reyes — initially divided fans loyal to Mulder and Scully, Patrick’s performance has since gained appreciation for bringing grit and emotional depth to the show’s final years.
Both Duchovny and Anderson have hinted at being open to returning for Coogler’s reboot, though details remain scarce. Coogler’s comments suggest that the project will not be a simple continuation but a fresh reinterpretation of The X-Filesconcept — one that could integrate modern fears around technology, surveillance, and misinformation into the show’s trademark mix of science fiction and paranoia.
Patrick’s enthusiasm adds another layer of intrigue to the reboot’s development. While he wasn’t able to appear in the 2016–2018 revival due to other commitments, his willingness to revisit Doggett now signals that the character — once divisive — might finally get the redemption arc longtime fans have hoped for.
As Coogler continues to assemble his version of The X-Files, the involvement of past cast members like Patrick, Duchovny, and Anderson could help bridge the franchise’s storied history with its uncertain but promising future.
