The X-Files creator dredges up Gillian Anderson quitting controversy and says ‘sorry’ for show’s ending

Writer hints that he blames Anderson for show ending

(Rex Features)

The creator of The X-Files has apologised for how the show ended.

Chris Carter appeared on a Danish podcast dedicated to the show where he reflected upon his failure to tie up  the main characters' storylines in a satisfying manner.

The show's most recent season was its 11th, and Carter acknowledged that a 12th is unlikely.

“Skinner, Mulder, Scully, and William’s stories are still unresolved – I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do that,” he told the host, adding: “I would have fixed it in season 12.”

He also dredged up the debate surrounding Gillian Anderson's decision to quit the show. Once again, Carter has claimed that the Sex Education actor announced the news “very late into the shooting of the season 11 finale”.

Fans have noted, though, that Anderson made it clear ahead of the show's 11th season that it would be her final outing as Dana Scully in interviews and while attending New York Comic-Con in 2017. 

“I didn’t realise there wouldn’t be more X-Files,” Carter said. “Being that Gillian has decided to move on with her career, we certainly couldn’t do [revisit] Mulder and Scully again. But that’s not to say there isn’t another way to do The X-Files.”

These comments also contradict an interview Carter previously had with The Hollywood Reporter.

“My plan had always been to end it essentially in the way I ended it. It all adds up,” he said in March 2018.