The X-Files is still considered a classic among science fiction TV shows, laying the groundwork for much of today’s television storytelling. Featuring Agents Scully and Mulder’s paranormal investigations, the series defined sci-fi and pop culture for decades, going from cult hit to beloved phenomenon. Sadly, the show began to falter a bit toward its end, namely due to poorly handled choices involving its cast.
David Duchovny’s Fox Mulder was written out in the final two seasons, and the search was on for a replacement agent in order to continue the series. The “new Mulder” had over 100 potential faces, with one of them being Bruce Campbell, the prominent-chinned star of Sam Raimi’s horror franchise The Evil Dead. Here’s why The X-Files ended up turning to Robert Patrick of the Terminator franchise instead in order to cast Agent John Doggett.
The X-Files’ 8th Season Needed a New Mulder
The Season 7 finale of The X-Files wrapped up the series’ story rather nicely by bringing the arcs of numerous characters and cast members to a close. David Duchovny even quit the series after Season 7’s conclusion, making many fans wonder if and how an eighth season would continue the story. When the next season was confirmed, a new character was needed to fill the co-lead role given the absence of Duchovny’s Fox Mulder. This character would be John Doggett, and though his role was already decided upon, the actor that would portray him was not.
During the casting process, over 100 actors auditioned for the role, which is surprising given the complexity involved with “replacing” the now iconic Mulder. One of the actors considered for the role was the aforementioned Bruce Campbell, who was perhaps most well-known for starring as Ash in the Evil Dead movies. Instead, the role of the new agent went to actor Robert Patrick, who had played the villainous T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Though fans likely would have warmed up to Campbell’s version of Doggett just as much as Patrick’s, his casting would have presented a bit of a continuity problem.
Bruce Campbell Previously Played a Demon In The X-Files
Before being considered to play John Doggett, Bruce Campbell had already played a character in The X-Files – albeit one with a much less lasting presence. His character was named Wayne Weinsider, though this human form was one worn by a supernatural demon. He appeared in the Season 6 episode “Terms of Endearment,” which had a horror-themed plot reminiscent of the film Rosemary’s Baby. Though the episode itself was criticized, Campbell’s role as Weinsider was very well received.
It’s likely due to this previous association with those involved with The X-Files that Campbell was in the running for the role of Doggett. Sadly, he lost out on the role due to being under contract for the historical comedy series Jack of All Trades, with Robert Patrick filling the vacancy. It’s somewhat of a missed opportunity that the horror veteran couldn’t be more involved with the premiere paranormal TV series of its era, but given how beloved Patrick became in the once controversial role, it’s perhaps for the best.
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