Hello Frank,

As you know, us Philes have been fighting along side you for a third X-Files movie for some time now. Frustratingly, Fox Studios has not “greenlit” this phenomenal movie yet. This got me thinking; maybe Fox Studios will only listen to its own kind – like fox squirrels (Sciurus niger)! I think we’re all in one “acorn” when it comes to admitting we’re pretty “nuts” about XF3. You haven’t even “pecan” to see what we are capable of: burying scripts in your yard, rustling around in your trashcan for discarded plot ideas, and hibernating inside your typewriter. So in a nutshell, I’m not saying we have an army of squirrel minions per se, but send this message to Fox: Greenlight XF3, or we’ll run in front of your car.

By the way, this little guy’s name is Frank. I named him after you because I found him one morning at my doorstep severely injured and barely alive. I gave him some nuts and a tiny bowl of water. The next morning, same thing. Now, months later, I have “trained” Frank enough that when I whistle, he comes running for food. Frank never gave up! He survived when I truly thought he was a gonner. If this Fox squirrel who loves sunflower seeds doesn’t give up, then neither should we.

Sometimes I wonder if I have too much free time, too.

Jessa

St. Louis, MO

Dear Frank,

It’s kind of sad to see people struggling with the highly likely possibility that this movie will never be made. There seems to be a painted veil of optimism that is wearing thin even with you, Frank. One writer on your blog even suggests Gillian and David may not even be part of any future productions for the show! I for one would not even contemplate watching anything made in the name of The X-Files without them, so I hope that idea gets thrown out immediately!

Anyway to my point of my e-mail; the world has changed so much since the last movie with the new digital age and the weak economy. I can see why funding would be a problem for production of any movie and the lack of DVD sales, which are now almost non-existent as we all check into Netflix and other media, would be another area where revenue can no longer be generated. Personally I wondered why the option of making a two-part special episode or mini-movie for TV has never been considered instead.

Frankly the show was at its best on TV — that is where you were all so creative and inventive and you made it look like a mini-movie every week. It must be cheaper to do this rather than creating a full-blown movie for theatre. Also the issues of funding can be covered with advertizing rather than worrying about box office numbers. I personally prefer watching The X-Files at home — it is more intimate and compelling. You were all at the top of your game when it was on TV and I don’t see any shame in finishing the show as it began- on the small screen- in HD it would be amazing! Has this idea ever been considered? It will be a great travesty if this amazing story is left untold.

Finally, if Fox is really dumb enough to let this franchise die without a conclusion on screen in any form, perhaps it could at least be put into print and maybe a book could be written with the kind of quality writing we came to expect throughout the show’s many great episodes.

Thanks to you, Chris, and all the other writers who made this such a great show over the years.

Pat

Vancouver BC

I take your argument, Pat, and I’d never say never. But while the business is changing fast, networks like Fox have not produced made-for-television movies for many years and — at least so far — seem to have no interest in making them. 

Frank,

Everyone in the Millennium fandom would first like to congratulate you on the success of your Cinemax series Strike Back and the upcoming new series you are currently working on!

There has been alot of rumors about a third X-Files film which is great, but there is also a call for a Millennium film as you well know. Back to Frank Black is hard at work with Lance to keep the flame for a Millennium film alive and well.

My question to you is over the years, you, Lance and Chris have all expressed interest in doing a Millennium project. Chris has gone on record to even say he has an idea of what he would like to do with a Millennium film? Has he shared any of his thoughts about a Millennium film? Have you thought about what direction you would take a Millennium film if you were to write it? Inquiring Millennium minds would like to know.

T.L.

Project Co-Director/Podcast Host-Editor/Media Promotions

troy@backtofrankblack.com

Chris and I discussed a story for a Millennium film some time ago. Thank you again for all your efforts to make this happen — it’s a harder sell than an X-Files film, but it would be wonderful to return to these characters once again.

Mr. Spotnitz,

You may not choose to post this on your site but I hope you will read it and concider it and maybe if you choose not to post it even have the goodness to reply to me privately.

This has being brewing for many months now and I think it is important that you post it as, although it is only the personal speculation of one extremely avid fan, on what I conceive can possibly happen or not happen for The X-Files now, I feel it needs saying and is actually what a lot of fans, when not kidding themselves, will be thinking, or trying to articulate in their minds and to each other:

It now seems that the mark has been, tragically, missed.

I am crushed as I write this as a long time & avid fan of The X-Files; 10 years have we waited, our excitement, anticipation, and hope worked up to fever pitch over the last few years as the specifically stated date, December 22nd 2012,the all essential end to our story, draws nearer. But after what has been stated today by your good self it becomes clear that this dated event will, once unimaginably, simply not happen and be met, due to some real life bullsh*t studio financial technicality or whatever. I can not help but take this update as the revaltion of an absolute travesty, the outcome of which is genuinely totally apalling and so disappointing…

Of course I am aware a film could still get made post 2012 and people are saying 2012 isn’t ‘the end all be all of The X-Files; aliens may invade but the world isn’t meant to disappear after.’ This is very true and I do admire the optimism and I honestly take no pleasure in saying what I’m about to say; but I think the true destiny of this story could very well have been tragically missed: surely the story, as it has been originally conceived in the minds of the writers, whether discussed/put to paper or not, was to have our heros save the world from alien colonization, to finally, in the end, be able to stop it; the good ending, the good overcoming the evil, preventing the bad ending. This may sound trite and cliché or limited to some, but as anyone with a thinking mind for story telling will appreciate, when you reduce it to it’s basic level this is the simple scenario, and I believe is the kind of outcome that surely the majority wanted to see, and is the only true, right and proper ending to this story (though of course, totally debatable)…

But if this date goes by without a feature of some kind being delivered, the mark will be, as I keep saying, undeniably & tragically missed: Yes there could be a post Dec 2012 story, where the aliens have already taken over ala Terminator style but I don’t believe it would be the true ending to this story, the one it deserves and worst of all the ending that was always intended by the writers.

Basically it needs to be stated, however painful and disappointing (and I admit I have actually shed tears now, so is my passion for The X-Files) that the true, most fitting and best ending to possibly the greatest story ever told won’t actually physically able to be told on time as it should have been…

Though of course, all may not be lost…

If it be decided that now there is no choice but to change the story as it was originally conceived and intended, to fit into a post 2012 timeline then I only hope desperately that it can be done in an effective way and doesn’t end up being a forced second best to how it should have ended.

Or (maybe most the hopeful possibility) a film could be released next year or the year after (or in another 10 f**king years, however long it takes those soulless b**tards at Fox to make a deal, if they are indeed, actually the ones to blame) which is set in December 2012 retrospectively, which, and I think this is very important, if you immerse yourself into the fictional universe fully as viewers and of course for you as a writer, would not essentially need to be released at the same time in the ‘real world’…However it can not be avoided that this would in some ways make the movie lose alot of punch, and damage the concept of fate and pre-ordained destiny that any true X-Files fan will appreciate is so crucial to the mythology story.

Another possibility I have also being thinking of and hoping for, as I’m sure many bright minded fans have been, is that all these stories about new TV series for yourself and Chris, new series for Gish and Patrick, Duchovny and Henrikson staring together in an elusive ‘Phantom’ movie which by all accounts only took a week to film *raised eyebrows*, were all just floated as a smoke screen, a project of misinformation to cover XF3, or, even some kind of televised mythology feature which is to be released by or for Dec 2012, to cover it, maybe to regain the franchises popularity and interest with the masses, which would bridge into a final conclusion in proper movie style in 2013/14.

I know you would never give your own game away but please, if there is any truth in this or there is any possibility that some feature other than a full-blown feature film, which we know would undoubtably take longer than 8 months to get done, may be made and released on TV or DVD by December 2012, rather than after, then please, I beg you, let it be known in some small way, however criptic (Don’t Give Up won’t quite cut it anymore). I think the fans deserve more details here, and whilst god does not provide any evidence to earn one’s faith , now is surely the time we were told more: if not with more details on the possible prospects of what could happen now but instead with more details as to why this thing isn’t getting made, what specifically is the studio saying and will they be making any statement soon?

This is a sad day for The X-Files. Please, please, PLEASE, let there be hope…

Yours faithfully, with all due respect and admiration,

Daniel

England

Daniel, I smiled at the “phantom” movie idea — that’s a notion worthy of an X-Files fan! Unfortunately, there’s no truth to it — all the projects we’ve been working on are real, and there is no secret X-Files movie (on TV, DVD or for theatrical release) ready to be released by December 2012. I wish there was.

I wouldn’t still be cheerleading for a third X-Files movie if I thought it was too late. There remains a powerful creative and commercial argument for a third X-Files feature film. And when it finally gets made, don’t worry. It will kick ass.

Dear Frank,

Two years ago, I wrote you to exult in what I said was the inevitable arrival of The X-Files 3 because of the existence of numerous spinoff media possibilities. I still believe what I said: The X-Files might very well get the finale it deserves–somewhere. Just look at what Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which ironically rode on the coattails of The X-Files to get its original TV launch, has been able to achieve in the comics medium (to name one alternative venue).

However, it is getting to be time for fans to accept that even if the story of The X-Files does get wrapped up, Gillian and David may not be a part of it.

That’s why I am taking just a minute to write you and mention that as X-Files fans, our support for these two superb actors (and fine people)–and indeed everyone involved in the show and the films–is undimmed. We’ll continue to follow and support Gillian and David’s work for years to come, regardless of whether they ever play Scully and Mulder again. We will applaud their impressive craft every time we see them in a project. And while we won’t expect these busy folks to follow the continuing adventures of their characters, we will certainly remember their wonderful contributions to The X-Files when we discover how Scully and Mulder defeat the nefarious Colonists.

Even if the confrontation plays out only in our imaginations…

Best,

Matt

San Francisco

Dear Frank,

I would like to thank you for the best television show in history. The X-Files had a particular charm that very few shows seem to have nowadays.

The chemistry between Mulder and Scully, as I am sure you know, was astounding. It was something that many other shows don’t have, and it’s something two people either have, or don’t. Not to mention that Duchovny and Anderson are both brilliant actors.

The story lines were incredible, right from the beginning to the end, and every episode left me on the edge of my seat wanting more. To date, I believe that The X-Files is one of the best shows in history.

Also, the show had some of the funniest, and touching scenes…

So, thanks, for everything X-Files related.

Sincerely,

Frances

Greetings fellow Big Lighters!

Phase 6 of the LAX-Files Auction is now live on eBay.

This round features some unique and rare X-Files memorabilia, including autographed production scripts,crew memorabilia, and comics. These are a must-have for any fan.

100% of auction profits are being donated to the American Cancer Society, in honor of late director, Kim Manners. Kim is known for his prolific and emotionally captivating work on Booker, 21 Jump St., Brisco County Jr, Simon and Simon, The X-Files, and Supernatural.

For more information about Kim Manners, LAX-Files, and upcoming auction items, please visit lax-files.com.

Thank you,

Erica

Author, LAX-Files

With Chris Carter and David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson’s appearance on Fox TV’s upcoming 25th Anniversary Special, I got to thinking… maybe the best way to promote a third and final X-Files movie would be to open it next September – and tie it into the show’s 20th anniversary.

Ryan

Traverse City, Michigan

Hey Frank!

It’s that time again! Time for my weekly X-Files question that you can’t answer. By the way, are you sure you haven’t been replaced by some Invasion-of-the-Body-Snatchers-Chris-Carter-The-Truth-Is-Out-There-I’ll-never-answer-your-questions-type replacement? Cause I’m getting suspicious…

Anyway… Scully: All the boys love her and all the girls want to be her — and depending on one’s particular orientation, maybe the other way around — but I’m getting off topic again. Maybe I’ve been replaced Invasion style… back to my original point:

Dana Katherine Scully. She’s a badass. She’s a doctor. She used to hunt aliens. And she has really stunning hair. (Btw, what shampoo does she use? My hair has been a bit lackluster lately.) In short, she’s awesome; however, I feel like I need to know more about her. I mean we all watch the show and look at some of the most intimate details of her life. It feels wrong that I’m not better acquainted with her.

In 2009, you said that you thought Mulder fell in love first, even sighting “Beyond the Sea” as one of the earliest examples of that. It’s on video, so don’t try to deny it now. Not even CC could pull that one off. Anyway, most of us would agree with you on him being first. BUT WHAT ABOUT SCULLY, FRANK? When did she fall in love?

I know you can’t answer all of this in XF3. Even The Lord of the Rings trilogy wouldn’t have enough time to answer all these questions. So I have a solution, if you can’t tell us now and would rather revel in our suffering, write down (put it in a book). But you can’t release this info while Chris is alive (because he would die if you did), instead, put it in your will to be released down the line. I WILL LIVE FOR IT.

Sincerely,

Roi

Ha! Well, you’re right, I’m afraid this is another one of those questions I can’t answer. But I will say I’m not sure it’s the right question. I suspect Scully fell in love with Mulder over a period of months and years and couldn’t tell you herself when precisely it happened. The more interesting question is when Scully realized — could no longer deny to herself — that she was in love with Mulder. And why didn’t she tell him? Why would she keep it to herself? I have my own personal answers, as I’m sure you will. Which explains the beauty of my silence.

Alright Frank, here’s the deal.

This e-mail has been sitting in my drafts folder for over two weeks, and I’ve decided that TODAY IS THE DAY to send it. It has been written and rewritten so many times that I lost count, and I am determined now to make sure this email is finally less than novel length.

I freaking love TXF. My obsession/love/worship of this TV show is insane. I don’t even understand it. My only explanation is that it must be hereditary, because my mom never missed an episode when it was on the air. She actually introduced it to me when I was fairly young, and far too wimpy to watch it. Squeeze scared me out of my mind, so I stopped watching it. It was too late though, the seeds were planted, and I became fascinated with what little I knew of the Mulder and Scully relationship. I stayed up late into the night on YouTube, watching videos of the two. Even as a 10 or 11 year old it was obvious to me that the two had a “thing” for one another, which I find to be the magical part, because I was unaware of the true extent of their relationship, having only watched the first five or so episodes.

Looking back, it was inevitable that I became a Phile. I stayed too scared to watch the show, but nonetheless intrigued by Mulder and Scully for probably far too long. Finally, just last year, I watched the Pilot on Netflix.

And the rest is history.

Once I started watching the show, I found that it wasn’t just the Mulder Scully dynamic, it was so much more. It was the villains, the dialogue, the music, the amazing shots, all of it! The show is a masterpiece!

I have a girl crush on Gillian Anderson. Just thought I should throw that out there. My mom also had a girl crush on her, and almost named me after her. I died a little inside when she told me. I seriously, LOVE Gillian Anderson though. I could blab on and on about how much of an inspiration she is to me, how much the episode “all things” meant to me, and how long I would be unconscious for if I ever saw her in real life, but in the interest of making this short, I won’t.

TXF have affected (effected?) me in a way that I can’t even begin to describe. The Mulder Scully relationship is unparalleled by anything I have ever heard of, fictional or otherwise. I can’t help but wonder if I am setting myself up for disappointment by making it an ideal, but I know that I should never give up on a miracle. My spirituality is now no longer a messy web of random contradictory beliefs. As cheesy and as strange as it sounds, this television show helped me find myself. And you know what? I never realized how much I enjoyed writing until I started writing fanfiction.

How could I send an email to you without mentioning XF3 though? Well, let’s just say that this whole Fox reunion thing seems like a perfect platform to announce a greenlight. And, no matter how much bad news stupid websites publish, I refuse to accept that it’s not happening. Every 11:11 I wish for XF3. Just saying.

Anyways, I think what I’m trying to say with this crazy rambling email is that I love you a lot for being a part of my life. Thanks for being awesome.

Haley

Columbia, Missouri