The X-Files stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson reunited with multiple members of the cast and crew to sing an a capella version of the show's classic theme with lyrics. The music video for the new version was recorded virtually to raise funds for the World Central Kitchen.
The coronavirus pandemic prompted The X-Files' executive producer Frank Spotnitz to call on fans to write lyrics for the show's instrumental theme. The challenge was organized to raise funds for those in need in the midst of the pandemic. Fans Jennifer Large and Rebecca McDonald provided the winning lyrics.
Spotnitz then assembled 33 cast and crew members to record a video of themselves singing Large and McDonald's lyrics from their home. The video compilation, titled "Song in the Key of X," includes cast members David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi, Robert Patrick, Annabeth Gish, James Pickens Jr., Laurie Holden, William B. Davis, Nicholas Lea, Cary Elwes, and Michael McKean alongside series creator Chris Carter, executive producer-writer Vince Gilligan (who would later create AMC's Breaking Bad), composer Mark Snow, director Michelle MacLaren, and more. The video features a button that allows viewers to donate to the World Central Kitchen, an organization dedicated to providing hot and nutritious meals to those in need, including seniors who cannot venture outdoors and healthcare workers on the frontline of the pandemic.
"During lockdown I really wanted to find a way to do something positive, and we had a rare opportunity to get The X-Files gang back together, so we hit upon this idea of putting lyrics to the theme tune – which had never been done before," Spotnitz during an interview with Variety. The X-Files producer added that he was "honored" by the fact that so many alumni from the series agreed to take part in the video, saying, "it’s been a real joy to reunite virtually with our friends and former colleagues, and we hope not only to bring a smile to many people, but also to help a worthwhile cause."
The X-Files centered on FBI special agents Fox Mulder (Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Anderson) as they investigated unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. The series debuted on FOX in 1993 and ran for nine seasons before concluding in 2002. While the conclusion of the series was criticized, The X-Files was a massive hit for FOX and spawned two spin-offs, two theatrical films, and merchandise. A tenth and eleventh season of The X-Files aired on FOX in 2016 and 2018, respectively, with the latter receiving more positive reviews than the former.
The X-Files theme is arguably one of the most memorable and chilling tunes in the history of television. So, seeing the cast reunite to provide words to the score will likely put a smile on the faces of fans who, like the rest of us, are trying to find what comfort we can as we struggle through this pandemic.
The X-Files is now available on Hulu.
Source: Variety