Fox eyeing ‘X-Files,’ ‘Prison Break’ reboots

PASADENA, Calif. — Fox TV Group’s new leaders are looking in their rearview mirror, hoping to resurrect two of the network’s old hits.

The fourth-place network’s co-CEOs Dana Walden and Gary Newman told TV reporters at Saturday’s press tour that they’re in early talks to bring back “The X-Files” and they’d resurrect “Prison Break” “in a heartbeat.”

“It’s been reported and it’s true that we’ve had some conversations on the ‘The X-Files,’” Newman said about the Chris Carter-created sci-fi drama that capped off a nine-season run in 2002. DePaul University alum Gillian Anderson (“Crisis,” “The Fall”) and David Duchovny (“Californication”) starred as FBI special agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder.

“We are hopeful of being able to bring that back at some point,” Newman added.

After the panel, a small group of reporters went on stage and pressed Walden for details on the possible reboot.

“You know who we’re dealing with, do you think I can elaborate?” Walden laughed, referring to “The X-Files’” notoriously secretive showrunner.

“Gary and I both worked through the entire run of the ‘X-Files,’” Walden said. “It was a great experience. We’ve maintained good relationships with Chris, David and Gillian. We’re very hopeful. But it’s hard. They’re actors who are very busy. Chris has a lot on his plate. So it’s just trying to carve out the time and finish those conversations.”

Walden said they won’t revisit the series if Carter isn’t on board.

Newman said there was speculation in the press about bringing back Paul Scheuring’s “Prison Break,” “which, honestly, was news to us.”

Walden quickly chimed in: “We’ll take it.”

“We’ve made it clear over the years at the studio that we would bring ‘Prison Break’ back in a heartbeat,” Newman said about the series that aired from 2005-2009. “It’s probably the perfect event series. So, if our old partners in that show are getting interested, that would be great, but at the moment, we have nothing else to report.”