[UPDATE: This rumor has been debunked]
I think that it is pretty safe to say that The X-Files: I Want To Believe was a bit of a disappointment, both commercially and critically. And to make matters worse, it also let down a lot of fans.
X-Files fans are a dedicated bunch who helped the show become a phenomenon and to disappoint them is a pretty big deal. As Screen Rant’s resident X-File fan even I was a bit let down by the film.
Before the release of the second feature there was a lot of talk of the franchise continuing in a series of films, but due to the poor box office ($20 million domestic) it looked like The X-Files had come to its natural conclusion.
But has it?
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Dread Central got a scoop that states a third film in the series is a go - but it will be heading straight to DVD.
Is this a real possibility or have we seen the end of Mulder and Scully?
It’s a tough call.
I Want To Believe was made on a modest $30 million budget, and it should make back its production costs when the international gross is factored in. So with DVD sales and television rights taken into account the film should turn a healthy profit.
Dead Central’s source said:
“I understand - there was room for improvement … and there still might be. I work for Screaming Death Monkey and Spotnitz - the TERRIFIC Frank Spotnitz - told us this week that the team have already spoken about the next X-Files film. It’s likely the next release will go direct to DVD - but they’re working on the assumption they’ll have a similar budget.”
BTW - Screaming Death Monkey is a production facility, and I don’t know if “the TERRIFIC Frank Spotnitz” is sarcasm or not. I’ll take it that it is not.
I can’t imagine the filmmakers having $30 million to spend on a third film, but it is a low(ish) budget so there is a chance that this has some truth to it. Also the direct to DVD tag is gaining a better reputation these days, with a lot of the titles (mostly sequels to theatrical features) making a healthy profit and getting some acclaim.
However would David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson want to be associated with a series of direct to DVD features? They both seemed to be happy to have made another X-Files feature - but was that because it was on the big screen? Who knows, it’s not like they need the cash. If they do like their characters that much, and this price was right they might be willing to return.
As an X-File fan I’d love to see a third film, I’d love it on the big screen but if it’s straight to DVD then so be it. There are plenty of ideas for the series to continue, but I feel that they need to focus on solving the main faults of I Want To Believe.
Firstly, If they want to continue the series they must either set Mulder and Scully up as paranormal investigators or have them rejoin the FBI. Secondly, the pair must work on the investigation together. In the recent film it was as if Scully had been edited into the film from a medical drama. Finally, they need more tension - if Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz can’t supply it then bring in somebody else.
If these kinks are ironed out then I hope that The X-Files does continue.
With a bit of luck we should hear details soon - either debunking this news or confirming it.
I want to believe.
Source: Dread Central
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53 Comments
In my opinion it has and remains an uneven show. If this wasn’t their “swan song” a third one of this quality is likely to be.
This is a completely BS rumour. Frank Spotnitz himself has debunked it just in the last few hours on his blog.
http://www.biglight.com/blog/2008/08/straight-to-dvd-rumor-debunked.html
Dread Central have yanked their post and I suggest you do too, seeing as you’re now linking to a dead, non-existent page.
Ah well.
I’ll have to watch ‘I want to believe’ on DVD when it came out. Too bad it was such a disappointment. Within the boundaries of that franchise, they had so much to work with.
Why didn’t you go and see it in the cinema? It was certainly a ‘disappointment’ commercially, in terms of the current box office climate but it’ll break even and make profit, so it’s not a flop, despite what the haters choose to promote. Critically it wasn’t well-received either by the main media outlets but it’s also drawn it’s fair share of praise as well. However, the ”omg it’s soooo crap” narrative makes better headlines I suppose, so that’s what gets regurgitated on every single blog post known to humanity, because it’s easier to report than actually doing some first-hand reporting. As for those quarters who seem to think they speak for the fanbase when they say ”even the fans were let down”, it’s time they stfu. The y don’t speak for the fans and the fans are the ones who are going to see it 10 and 11 times. There’s millions of fans who loved it. It’s no masterpiece, by any stretch of the imagination but a large proportion of the fanbase loved this little, thoughtful film. Ebert even gave it his proverbial thumbs up.
It’s not a film for everyone, in fact I would argue it’s even in the same vein as the series but that’s Carter’s point. He made a film about 2 beloved characters and where they are now and anyone going in expecting a film about aliens, or an extended episode of the series was of course going to be disappointed. ” It’s 6 years on!” everyone kept ranting, yet because the film remained true to that timeframe, it got a kicking. Carter intended it to be a ’stand-alone’ movie and that’s what it was. I just wish people had criticized it based on what it was, rather than for what it wasn’t.
Also, why the hell would anyone want a direct-to-DVD feature? I’d rather nothing at all than something that sub-par.
Fingers crossed for X-Files 3, I can’t wait.
I think Rob Bowman and Chris Carter should both direct the next X-Files film. With both of their expertise they can cover all the parts and make it a great film.
Real good points Calraigh,,, and also Lex,,,
Im one of those fans that loved the film,,,
Dont want a direct to dvd, I want another movie. I really dont see Douchovey agreeing to a dvd release.
Oh and Rob, when you see the dvd, (watch the end credits).
I am HUGE x- Files fan.
The movie was a great dissapointment to me.
I wanted to see Mulder and Scully as a team again not drifting in and out of a case.
I respect your opinions calraigh ,
But while you may speak for many fans
You dont speak for me.
Fair enough Gary but in the same way, the critics don’t speak for me, or the fans that I know either. There’s plenty of people who didn’t like it or were ‘disappointed’ as you say. Equally however, there are plenty who did and weren’t.I just think it’d be great if there was room for discussion as opposed to ou and out denigration of either point of view. It’s great that people are tolerant here. It’s nice to see for a change, in the blogosphere. Kudos Filmstalker!
Hey Calraigh, did you see the scene in the end credits ??
Certainly did 790! I couldn’t quite believe it but I love it, makes me beam, I have to say!
Only the hardcore X-File fans (IMO) understand the final significance of the end credit scene.
The ending credit scene answered the big question, and changed the movie for me,
It also gave me closure at the same time.
The end credit scene really is a big part of the story in this film.
(I think thats one thing alot of ppl/critics dont get),,,
Hope you comment more here Calraigh !
Just the comments so far are equally divided. Which, imho, still lands X-Files in the uneven category!
Much like in The X Files, we here at Screen Rant take rumor with a pinch of salt. The essence of the story was that a straight to DVD film was an unlikely option.
The article was also a think piece on where the X-Files should go (if it continues) - and my own personal thouughts on the series.
Niall
The old man,
Uneven is exactly How I would describe what amounts to a subpar episode.
One of my pet peeves with a movie with a huge fanbase is the automatic refrain if somebody doesnt like it is “they just didnt get it.”
I got it completly ,
extra scene and all.
and you know what?
It was too little too late .
I was one of 9 people who stayed for the final scene .
Was everybody else supposed to stick around for a scene they probably didnt know was coming?
And was it SMART to leave the films ultimate message in a post credit scene?
Shouldnt it be up there on the screen BEFORE the films end?
Bad writing.
Appropriate box office.
Didnt write the movie, just understand it Gary,,,
Without the end credit scene, its still a solid film sorry it didnt deliver for ya,,,
790,I understand it too .
And one scene at the end doesnt make a movie .
And our mutual understanding doesnt explain why the rest of it didnt quite come together .
A solid film ?
Maybe .
I was kind of hoping for something a little more fun
and more like the show I have loved since its pilot.
Could anyone PLEASE explain to me how the x-files ended and what it was about? I loved the 1st four seasons but never finished watching it. I even checked the wiki on it but basically there doesnt seem to have been a dramatic arc that was eventally cleared up??? What was it all about? What was the point?
Theres WAY too much to cover Free Avatars…
I could see briefing you on the last epsiode but the last 6 seasons ,,, ?
I will say that at the end of the last episode Mulder and Scully were basically on the run.
The season dvds are cheaper now I reccomend you buy or rent them. The show only got better in my opinion.
Mulder was put on trial for murder .
It was a setup .
Mulder and Scully became fugitives.
OK, you want a more general overview.
Fox “Spooky” Mulder was the lone FBI agent assigned to the X-files,
a special section of the Bureau dedicated to cases of the bizzrre and paranormal.
Agent and Doctor Dana Scully is assigned ostensibly to assist Mulder but ther are those in the bureau who want her to debunk Mulders work on the X-Files.
Together they encountered UFOS,Government conspiracies, werewolves, vampires , shapeshifters and tons of other unmentionables,including a psychotic killer or two.
In later years FBI agents John Doggest and Monica Reyes assisted in X-Files investigations .
and in the final episode ,
as I said mulder was chrged with murder and basically railroaded in a goverment tribunal that was really a kangaroo court.
Mulder and Scully escaped before the tribunal could carry out the sentence of death against Mulder.
MuLder went underground while Scully returned to her life as a doctor to support them both.
Thats where the second film picks up.
the first film was about the government conspiracy to cover up UFOS.
Thats not everything but its an overview
My advice ? buy some DVDS,Start with season one.
Darn typos.
Thats agent John Dogget and Monica Reyes who assisted in X- Files investigations in the later years.
Ok thanks for that folks, but my point is what has any of this to do with aliens which surely was the main backbone storyline of the x-files for years? What was the satisfying conclusion that fans waited years for? This sounds like a horrible mess to me, and i really used to love this show =(
X-FILES SERIES ENDING
Spoilers ahead^^^
Don’t read if you havnt seen the ending.
Damm it ,
ScuuuuuLLLYYYYY !!!!
Free Avatars,
The alien invasion is clearly discussed in the first X-Files film “Fight the Future”, came out in 1999 btw,,,
Mulder is told by Martin Landru’s character that the aliens will use “humans” as hosts in the year 2012 to take over, and repopulate the planet as alien hybrids.
The FBI blew up a Federal building to cover up the hybrid bodies.
This never changed when the show resumed, and Scully forgot all the events at the end of the film,,, (another point to the new films title)…
The writers did branch out on the hybrid story point in seasons 7,8,and 9 when they brought in the Super Soldiers.
In the end the Super Soldier program was going to be exposed with the help of the “outcast” Smoking man. He had contacted Mulder and made it possible for him to get away. (More or less),,,
The Smoking man was killed in the last few minutes of the last episode by 2 ATS rockets fired from a “black” helocopter….
Go buy the dvds !!!
Lol.
Also read today in Variety that X-Files “I want to believe” has grossed over 57 million worldwide so far.
Not bad for a 30 mil budget. The dvds aren’t even out yet ,,,, there could very well be another film if it breaks 80 mil ww.
Free Avatars-
” Ok thanks for that folks, but my point is what has any of this to do with aliens which surely was the main backbone storyline of the x-files for years? What was the satisfying conclusion that fans waited years for? This sounds like a horrible mess to me, and i really used to love this show =( ”
What exactly are you referring to?The series or the film?You clearly haven’t watched (as you yourself have stated!)all the seasons,otherwise you’d be aware of the alien colonization narrative, so how can you profess, as you do to having ” really loved the show”?
If you’re referring to the new movie, you’re again obviously confused. The movie was expressly conceived, executed and subsequently promoted as a stand-alone movie, in the MOTW vein, with no allusions to the alien narrative.
I’m afraid if after the million and one blurbs written on the movie’s plot, you went in expecting the opposite, well, you’ve only yourself to blame!
I’am a huge x-files fan and i was just happy to see Gillian and David on the big screen again.
I agree Lex, I’m with you on that,,,,
I’ll tell ya throw in a few Hooverphonic tracks in this film,and bam !!
(I can’t wait 4 the dvd)
I’m kinda shocked that ppl think this film was tv quality.
Some of the dark material was seriously disturbing, if it came out the same year as “Silence of the Lambs”, it would have been right there with it,,, freaky,,
Vic, you should see this one,,,,
Silence had those great scenes with Hannibal and Clarice ,
First in the sanitarium and that last one with Hannibal in his cage .
If X- Files I want to Believe
had that type of interaction between good and evil ,
I would have praised it until the cows come home.
But it just wasnt there .
They were just generic killers without personality.
and they hardly ever spoke to Mulder and Scully.
I don’t like the “straight to DVD” idea at all.
I don’t think that Scully and Mulder should rejoin the FBI, it isn’t necessary, also it is really nice to see them evolve in the personal lives.
Hmm,,, come on Gary,,,
The way the main killer abducted the female in the car was pretty sick,,,
The way the killer/abductor captured the main FBI agent,,, (FBI Gary)
the motive to capture was for sexual purposes, and for skin transplantation. (No connection?)
The main abductor was delusional and had a sick twisted relationship with the beast he was creating.
(Do I have to spell it out).
Naw no connection to “Silence of the Lambs”,,,,
please give me a break…
At least people had a bit of satirical fun with the movie.
http://www.thespoof.com/news/spoof.cfm?headline=s4i39225
OH for Christ’s sake!!!!! I don’t understand why people keep criticizing the movie. I thought it was brilliant, the way these characters were brought back to life.The themes it expounded were challenging enough, and it does please the fans with its wit, romance, and suspense.
from the day the xfiles began i was hooked and still am, however although the movie was good, it just didnt feel like i was watching the xfiles, it didnt have that spark the show had, mulder and scully not teaming up, wher was mulders little jokes and wit from the show, both mulder and scully just didnt seem to have that energy. that being said i will still buy the dvd as have with all of them and welcome a 3rd instalment that i hope will have more of an xfiles feel to it.
Siu-Yin NG Virella i would have to disagree with you, their was no suspense in the movie or wit, and the problem with the romance is its been done before over and over, i know its not meant to be a follow on from the series but i think they could have added some more for the fans who grew up on it coz the way i see it their will be more fans going to see this than someoone who hasnt watched the show, i mean lets face it if you havnt seen aliens 1-3 would you pay to watch 4?
I still stand firm on my opinion about the movie being great. I am not a crazy fanatic who is not open to constructive criticisms and I have to agree about some elements missing on the film. However, that does not mean that it didn’t have many layers and levels that make us wonder not only about the characters beliefs, but also about ours. It is a movie that deals with personal conflicts and it transcends the plot of a silly picture to become an emotional and spiritual challenge. Also, I don’t think that the romance between Mulder and Scully is hackneyed since from the moment the show aired, the fans could not wait to see the two of them together. Anyway, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I’ve followed the x files from start to finish and will continue to be a die hard fan, like many out there.
I enjoyed the movie, although it did take a second watch for me to fully understand meanings and tension. It was an interesting and touching episodic creation, not made to attract blockbuster followers (unfortunately it was released around the same time as Batman and the Mummy and Mamma Mia etc, which could put it on its back foot) but it didnt spoil the enjoyment for me, I’ve been waiting 6 years to see Scully and Mulder alive again. It was an homage to those who spent a significant chunk of their lives obsessing about the X Files, and I think it did it pretty well.
This movie was not designed to teach people about who Mulder and Scully were etc (Fight the Future spent a vast proportion doing that and wow that film had me going in circles). I had kids sitting behind me in the cinema asking each other who Skinner was in XF2. It was a dedication, not a reminder, Skinner to those X Philes out there is symbolic of Mulder and Scully’s quest.
And every is entitled to their own opinion, because this is what makes up a vast plethora of movies available to watch these days.
Precisely my point.
Frank Spotnitz and Chris Carter can do so much better. They definitely deserve to redeem themselves (if redemption is even necessary).
A 2012 should be released in the cinema. Mulder and Scully should not rest until they find William and save the world from the invasion.
And they have to do it earlier that Dec 2012. Before we get harvested or something. LOL
i just really enjoyed watching david and gillian on screen together like lex said and honestly bringing the 3rd movie to dvd… not a bad idea if it means getting to see these two together again. i also agree that the movie should of had them two working on a case together and then maybe have scully be in danger or something and then mulder have to rescue her. LOVE those episodes!! anyways, i still hold on to high hopes that there will be another x files movie out soon!!!!
I think they should continue the series, cuz after the last episode i had so many more questions. Even if it didnt have David or Gillian but Agent Dogget and Reyes, it would still be good. Thats kinda y the movie was a little different to me cuz it didnt answer those questions, like “What happened to Agent Dogget and Reyes? What happened to that boy (Gibson Praise)?” It was kinda frusturating.
…And i heard X-Files 2 is coming out December 2nd
Lex, they kinda did wrap up the Gibson Praise arc,,, if I recall he was saved by Mulder, but after that we don’t know.
I also agree, I would have loved for the series to continue there were plenty of stories left to tell.
Season 9, was real good.
Thanks for the tip on the dvd.
I thought the movie was great. I left the as the end credits came up. What happened in the scene after the credits?
It showed Scully in bikini and Mulder in trunks(or was it David and Gillian?) rowing “away from the darkness”. Mulder was paddling the boat, Scully looking at him. Then as the camera goes up, up, up… they wave to the audience… or maybe to a UFO.. I don’t really know what the scene was for but it was bittersweet.
Chris Carter said in an interview that they made the movie with the possibility that it could be the last one. I think that’s his explanation of that scene.. (sniffs)
I really hope they make 2012. With Chris Carter hospitalized, David facing serious personal problems, Gillian’s seemingly lesser enthusiasm I don’t know if it’s going to happen. Sigh… I hope “Don’t give up” is applicable here.
Mulder was found naked in front of a computer passed out from autoerotic asphyxiation, and Scully suggests he check himself into rehab. Kind of anticlimatic, really.
“Mulder was found naked in front of a computer passed out from autoerotic asphyxiation, and Scully suggests he check himself into rehab. Kind of anticlimatic, really.”
LMFAO!
Bummer!
Debbie,,,
At the end of the X-Files credits there’s a scene that shows Mulder and Scully in a rowboat, Mulders doing all the rowing as the small boat is heading to an Island in the distance. As the camera approaches the boat (via helocopter) they both wave goodbye as the shot goes way up high above them.
Scully in the Rowboat is symbolic to her character arc,,,
@Debbie,,,
Additional,,, info
There’s a 2 part episode, I think in season 4, where Scully is in a Coma,,, the only thing she’s doing is sitting motionless (in her minds eye) in a row boat…
See the connection…
The ending made me weep,,, the 10 second credit scene was the most bittersweet scene I’ve seen in a movie since the ending to A.I.
I heard Fringe is the continuing of the X-Files series, is that true?
Lex,,, Fringe is a bad rip-off of the X-Files…
Its really trying to be the X-Files, but its not The X-Files…
I am an xphile & I loved the 2nd movie,infact I loved it more than ‘Fight the future’,I had read many negative reviews before watching the movie but didnt quite get the reviews after I watched it,it doesnt have aliens but X-files was not only about aliens,I was so glad to see Mulder& Scully again that well I didnt have any complaints.To me Fight the future looked more like an acton movie than an X-file,this however went back to the classic dark-bleak-mysterious oh-so-X-files look.
I wanna see more & more X-files .
Im glad to hear u liked it. (this question is for everyone) If their was X-Files 3, wat do u think it would be about?
Lexx! its me 790, get me out of here!!! Hurry this planets full of crazy people!!!!
Oh its only Lex,,,,,,,
Hmm, well X3, should be about the coming alien invasion, referenced in the first X-Files film,,,”Fight the Future”
If you recall 2012 is mentioned as the date colonisation begins… (That dosnt sound good for Mulder and Scully)
They could uncover the truth that the secret government is behind it all. This leads them to Dulce NM where they infiltrate the underground base and screw up the aliens “mind control weapon” setting them back 50 years…
Therefore giving us time for a few sequels in between the final battle in 2062,,,
^
Or we could have a X-Files story about Scully and Mulder getting married, finding they’re lost child, and then at the very end they both see a UFO,,, (they giggle, as Mulder says “see I told you”,,,)
The end ???
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