Gillian Anderson Wants ‘The X-Files’ to Hire More Female Writers and Directors
Zack Sharf
“The X-Files” fans have a great reason to be excited since Season 11 is officially on the way, but this week news hit that should make every fan somewhat disappointed in the franchise. Earlier this week, the Season 11 writers’ room was revealed to be made up of only men — Darin Morgan, Glen Morgan, James Wong, Gabe Rotter, Benjamin Van Allen and Brad Follmer — prompting industry backlash and a call to diversify the voices behind-the-scenes. Now star Gillian Anderson has weighed in, and she’s not happy about the lack of women either.
READ MORE: ‘The X-Files’ Season 11 Fills Its Writers’ Room With All-Male Staff
In a tweet published earlier today, Anderson quoted a story about the all-male writers’ room and responded by also revealing only two of the series’ 207 episodes have been directed by women. That already-abysmal statistic is even worse when you consider Anderson herself directed one of the episodes. “I took look forward to the day when the numbers are different,” she wrote.
And 2 out of 207 eps directed by women. I too look forward to the day when the numbers are different. #TheFutureisFemale https://t.co/38SVdTfCR1
— Gillian Anderson (@GillianA) June 29, 2017
Make no mistake: Anderson isn’t slamming her show, she just wants it to do better.
Not ‘slam’, not ‘rip’, just stating truth. I believe we can do better. #TheXFiles https://t.co/KGfxLcd4nO
— Gillian Anderson (@GillianA) June 30, 2017
Clearly “The X-Files” needs more female voices behind the scenes, especially since the show appeals to so many different demographics than just men. Season 11 will reunite Anderson with David Duchovny and is expected to begin production this summer for an early 2018 release. The new season will consist of 10 episodes. Click here for more on the Season 11 writers’ room.
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