Chris Carter, the creator of the seminal science fiction series The X-Files, has offered insights into persistent fan questions regarding the fates of key characters and the possibility of Scully's immortality. In a recent interview, Carter addressed the lingering mysteries surrounding Assistant Director Walter Skinner, FBI Agent John Doggett, and the enigmatic Cigarette Smoking Man, while also touching upon the enduring fan theory that Dana Scully may be immortal.
Regarding John Doggett, played by Robert Patrick, Carter admitted that bringing the character back into the revival seasons, which aired in 2016 and 2018, simply "never worked out." However, he suggested that Doggett might still appear if the series were to return, stating, "If we come back, I think you may see John Doggett after all." This contrasts with the return of Doggett's partner, Monica Reyes, who was featured in the revival seasons.
Fans have long speculated about the continued survival of the Cigarette Smoking Man, a recurring antagonist. Despite seemingly fatal encounters in multiple seasons, including being shot and pushed into water in the season 11 finale, Carter acknowledged the character's apparent resilience. "He seems immortal, doesn't he? He survives everything and anything," Carter remarked.
Similarly, the fate of Assistant Director Walter Skinner, a staunch ally to Mulder and Scully, was left ambiguous in the season 11 finale after he was struck by a car. Carter described the show's approach to endings as intentionally elusive, aiming to provide "something of what they want, but then we pull the rug out from under them," to maintain narrative excitement.
The popular fan theory that Dana Scully possesses immortality is rooted in specific episodes from the original series. In "Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose," a character who could predict deaths stated that Scully would not die. Later, in a season 6 episode, a photographer who had lived for centuries offered Scully his life to save her from death. Scully herself even joked about being immortal in a season 10 episode. When asked directly about Scully's immortality, Carter responded that he has "something to say about that" should Mulder and Scully reunite for a potential "season 12."
Carter confirmed he had a narrative design for what would have been season 12, the third revival season, and expressed hope that these story arcs could still be explored. He likened the show's journey to that of Lewis and Clark, knowing the destination but not always the path. "For me, it’s not over," Carter stated, indicating his continued interest in telling more stories with Mulder and Scully. The director's cut of the 2008 film, The X-Files: I Want to Believe, is currently available on Hulu and Disney Plus.