X-Files TV reboot looking 'hopeful'

Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny star in The X-Files.

The truth is out there: Mulder and Scully could be set to make a TV comeback.

Fox has confirmed it is in talks to revive its popular Nineties sci-fi series The X-Files.

TV executives Dana Walden and Gary Newman said they had been in talks with the series creator Chris Carter and stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson about a possible revival.

Newman said he was "hopeful" about plans to bring back the long-running series, but said the actors' schedules were busy and it would be difficult to pin down a time to commit to filming.

Speaking at the Television Critics Association's press tour, he said: "Gary and I both worked [at 20th Century Fox Television] through the entire run of The X Files. It was a great experience.

"We've maintained a good relationship with Chris, David and Gillian. We're very hopeful, but it's hard. The actors are very busy. They have a lot going on. Chris has a lot on his plate, so it's just trying to carve out the time," he said.

According to Hollywood insider website Deadline, there have been no creative discussions yet about what the new series might centre on.

Carter had reportedly hinted at a possible reboot in the summer, but it is not known yet whether the actors will be able to commit to a production.

The show, which became the longest-running sci-fi series in the US, ended in May 2002.

It has since spawned two films, Resist or Serve in 2004, and I Want to Believe in 2008.

- Independent