Gillian Anderson leaving The X-Files (officially) after season 11

Is Gillian Anderson leaving The X-Files officially at the end of season 11? Her comments earlier this year seemed to suggest that an exit was imminent; now, we’ve (unfortunately) received more confirmation on that very thing.

Speaking to TV Guide in a new interview, Anderson made it clear that this upcoming 10-episode season was the end for her — something that she’s apparently said from the get-go with production; following that, she also commented on some of the ensuing reaction to her comments:

“I was a bit surprised by people’s [shocked] reaction to my announcement, because my understanding was that this was a single season.”

It’s true that Anderson never signed on to more than one season at a time following the season 10 revival — given that we should all just be grateful to even have these seasons in the first place, it feels almost greedy to ask for more! Yet, here we are … asking for more. This is just a consistent part of our DNA to be eager for more of something we love. Anderson is great, and the majority of The X-Files as a whole have been magnificent.

Part of the reason for the confusion is that while Anderson has maintained her feelings about The X-Files season 11 for months, Chris Carter seems to be reasonably interested in continuing the franchise. Meanwhile, we haven’t heard anyone else really echo her sentiment all that much that they want to move on from the show. It’s a little bit of a difficult thought to get more of The X-Files without Anderson, but we’ve got a feeling that it’s going to be entertained if the ratings are at a certain threshold for the new season. We hope that it doesn’t happen, mostly because remaking something great or bringing in replacements to beloved characters rarely ever works. If season 11 is the end, then so be it. It’s two more seasons than we ever thought previously that we were going to get.

What do you think about Gillian Anderson leaving The X-Files at the end of season 11? Be sure to share right now in the comments!

Meanwhile, be sure to click here to preview the X-Files premiere coming in the days ahead! Also, like CarterMatt on Facebook now if you’re so inclined as to get more updates regarding the series. (Photo: Fox.)