'The X-Files' Revival: 4 Alums Chris Carter Couldn't Get Back For The Follow-Up Series

Aside from a list of returning stars led by David Duchovny (Fox Mulder) and Gillian Anderson (Dana Scully), the much anticipated "The X-Files" revival also features episodes written and directed by series' veterans Darin Morgan, Glen Morgan, James Wong  and series creator Chris Carter. However, Carter previously revealed that there are other "The X-Files" alums that he tried to get back for the six-episode miniseries, but to no avail. Below are four of them:

1. Frank Spotnitz

Spotnitz was an executive producer for "The X-Files" from 1998 to 2002. Apart from writing 44 episodes of the Fox show, he has also directed two episodes of the hit sci-fi series. Carter confirmed to TVLine that he asked Spotnitz to be on board with the project, but he's "unavailable" due to his commitment as executive producer for both NBC's "Crossing Lines" and Amazon Video's "The Man in the High Castle."

"I talk with Chris [Carter] every week," Spotnitz told Den of Geek at San Diego Comic-Con last July. "But I'm not involved [in 'The X-Files'revival]. It's very bittersweet because I never stopped wanting this to happen and supported the fans."

Though Spotnitz is not part of the limited run, he said that he will be happy to watch it as a fan. "I came on 'The X-Files' in season 2, and I watched season 1 as a fan. Now I feel like I'm back at the beginning watching this as a fan. I'm enjoying that part of it."

2. Vince Gilligan

Gilligan started writing for "The X-Files" in 1995, and a year later, he became a producer for the show. During his "The X-Files" stint, the two-time Primetime Emmy winner was able to direct two episodes. Carter told TVLine that he asked Gilligan to work with him for the miniseries, but "he was unable to come in."

"Unfortunately, I won't be writing for the reboot, because my work on 'Better Call Saul' will keep me from doing that," Gilligan wrote during his Reddit AMA last May.

"I'm very sad to miss out, because I would love to have a hand in 'The X-Files' reboot," Gilligan added. "'The X-Files' was my second favorite job ever, a close second to 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul,' and I'd love to be a part of it. Rest assured, I will be watching it as a fan. I can't wait to see it."

3. Robert Patrick

According to TVLine, Carter also "made overtures" to Patrick, who played John Doggett from season 8 to 9 of "The X-Files." However, the 57-year-old actor ultimately decided not to reprise his character.

"I had time to think about, 'Do I want to revisit that character?' and I wasn't so sure I did," the Canadian Press quoted Patrick as saying. "When I left the show, the show was a hit. It was still doing well in the ratings. I was not sure why they were pulling the plug on it to begin with. And at the time, I was really ready to let that play. I was committed to doing it for five years."

Patrick, who currently plays agent Cabe Gallo on the CBS series "Scorpion," also told Canada.com that he's "very content" on CBS and with the show he's doing. "Timing-wise, it just wasn't a good time for me to go back and revisit that," he said.

4. James Pickens, Jr.

Carter also approached Pickens to star in the revival, but his full-time gig as Dr. Richard Webber on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" prevented him from being involved on the follow-up series. Pickens played FBI Deputy Director Alvin Kersh on "The X-Files" from 1998 to 2002.

Do you think the revival would be better if the four alums mentioned above are all on board? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

"The X-Files" returns with a special two-night event starting on Sunday, Jan. 24 following the NFC Championship Game. It then moves to Monday nights starting on Jan. 25.