"The X-Files" creator Chris Carter piqued fans' interest last summer when he hinted that a reboot of the show could be in the works. Now, a new report suggests that that possibility is all but a certainty, and new episodes of the dearly departed sci-fi series could start shooting as soon as this summer.

According to TVWise, original "X-Files" network Fox "is close to giving an official green-light to a revival of their iconic science fiction series," and is set to order a "short-stack" season of less than 10 episodes (akin to the network's other limited "event series" programming). Talks with 20th Century Fox Television, which produced the original series from 1993-2002, are still ongoing.

TVWise also reports that original stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are both already on board for the project, citing their scheduling conflicts as the number one delay in getting the revival off the ground. Fox hopes to begin production sometime this summer, according to the site.

In addition to Duchovny and Anderson, Mitch Pileggi is also confirmed to return, as are "other key cast members," TVWise reports. Carter will write, direct, and produce the project.

After Carter set off a firestorm with his comments last summer, Fox confirmed talks with the creator earlier this year during a panel at the Television Critics Association winter press tour. With this new report, it seems that "X-Files" fans have good reason to keep their hopes up.

[via: TVWise]

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