The X-Files star David Duchovny was recently spotted on the picket line, standing in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). What’s more, he had a picket sign inspired by his iconic sci-fi role.
Per TVLine, a striking Duchovny was photographed holding a WGA picket sign featuring a drawing of a UFO alongside the message, “The residuals are out there.” This is a reference to The X-Files’ tagline, “The Truth Is Out There,” which often closed the show’s iconic opening title sequence. It is also a reference to the fact that the striking members of both the WGA and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) are seeking better streaming residuals in their negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Notably, Duchovny is striking on behalf of both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA. The actor is perhaps best known for playing FBI special agent Fox Mulder on The X-Files. However, he also wrote, co-wrote, and directed a number of episodes of the beloved sci-fi series. Some of Duchovny’s other credits include Twin Peaks, Aquarius, and Californication.
The WGA went on strike on May 2 after contract negotiations with the AMPTP broke down. SAG-AFTRA subsequently went on strike on July 14 after its own negotiations with the AMPTP met the same fate. This marks the first time Hollywood’s writers and actors have been on strike at the same time since 1960. The last WGA strike lasted from late 2007 to early 2008, while the last SAG strike took place in 1980. Both of those strikes lasted roughly three months.
The X-Files is a sci-fi fan favorite
Created by Chris Carter, The X-Files premiered on Fox in 1993. Starring opposite Duchovny was Gillian Anderson, who played FBI special agent Dana Scully. The show originally aired for nine seasons through 2002. Fox later revived The X-Files for two additional seasons, which aired from 2016 to 2018. Additionally, two feature films — The X-Files and The X-Files: I Want to Believe — released in theaters in 1998 and 2008, respectively.
The X-Files also spawned two spin-off series: Millennium (which was more of a stand-alone spiritual spinoff) and The Lone Gunmen. Millennium aired for three seasons from 1996 to 1999. The Lone Gunmen aired for just one season in 2001.