After almost 30 years of playing Scully, actress Gillian Anderson reckons it's time to say goodbye. The actress revealed she is leaving The X-Files, devastating fans.
Hanging Up Her Hat
The actress confirmed her plans while speaking as part of a panel on the Television Critics Association's winter press tour. She explained how, originally, she only intended to remain on for the 2017 revival of the show.
"It's time for me to hang up Scully's hat. It just is. I'm finished," Anderson told reporters.
The loss of their beloved Agent Scully will come as a shock to many X-Files fans worldwide. However, Anderson is comfortable with her decision.
"I arrived at the decision before we did the previous six [episodes], but I was really curious," Anderson said in relation to last year's X-Files reboot. "... it's been an extraordinary opportunity and extraordinary character and I am hugely grateful" she added, in response to what playing Scully has meant to her.
Gillian Anderson Also Exits 'American Gods'
Doubling down on the bad news, Anderson also confirmed she is leaving American Gods, following the departure of showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green. The two reportedly quit the show following extended budget disagreements with producers.
Anderson appeared in the first season of the fantasy-drama show, based on the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name, as the goddess Media alongside the likes of Ian McShane, Emily Browning, and Crispin Glover. Her character shape-shifted as famous icons including Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and David Bowie.
Kristin Chenoweth, who played another goddess, Easter, in the show, has also confirmed she won't be returning in the wake of Fuller and Green's departure.
The Future Of The 'X-Files'
As for whether the super-popular series will continue without her after the end of its 11th season, David Duchovny, who plays Mulder, has confirmed that he'd be more than up for it.
"I've tried to say goodbye to Fox Mulder many times and I failed," he admitted.
The X-Files originally ran on Fox from 1993 to 2002, with Mulder and Scully becoming household names over the intervening years. The show returned for a special, six-episode revival in 2017, to mixed reviews from fans and the media alike.
Although diehard X-Files fans may be in shock over Anderson's announcement, this isn't actually the first time the actress has spoken out about possibly leaving the show. In fact, she told fans at last year's New York Comic Con that she was done with the character.
X-Files fans will have to wait and see how/if the series can continue without her, but the loss of Dana Scully will be keenly felt regardless.
