X-Files star David Duchovny was recently spotted at the picket line standing in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). In addition, he had a picket sign inspired by his iconic sci-fi role.
Per TVLine, a conspicuous Duchovny was photographed holding a WGA picket sign with a drawing of a UFO and the message “The leftovers are out there.” This is a nod to the slogan “Files”. It is also a reference to the fact that the striking members of both the WGA and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) in their negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP ) aim for better streaming residuals.
In particular, Duchovny is striking on behalf of both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA. The actor is perhaps best known for his role as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder on The X-Files. However, he also wrote, co-wrote and directed several episodes of the popular science fiction series. Duchovny’s other appearances include “Twin Peaks”, “Aquarius” and “Californication”.
The WGA went on strike on May 2 after contract negotiations with the AMPTP collapsed. SAG-AFTRA then went on strike on July 14 after their own negotiations with the AMPTP suffered the same fate. This is the first time Hollywood writers and actors have gone on strike simultaneously since 1960. The last WGA strike lasted from late 2007 to early 2008, while the last SAG strike was in 1980. Both strikes lasted about three months.
The X-Files is a sci-fi fan favorite
The series originally aired for nine seasons, ending in 2002. Fox later revived The X-Files for two more seasons, which aired from 2016 to 2018. was released in cinemas in 1998 and 2008 respectively.
The X-Files also spawned two spin-off series: Millennium (more of a spiritual spin-off in its own right) and The Lone Gunmen. Millennium aired for three seasons from 1996 to 1999. The Lone Gunmen only aired for one season in 2001.