Duchovny to Return as Mulder in 'X-Files' Finale

an undated publicity photo of Duchovny

Turns out the truth really is out there and so is former "X-Files" star David Duchovny.

The Fox television network said Duchovny, whose participation in a series finale was uncertain when the show's retirement was announced last month, will indeed appear in a final two-hour send-off.

Details of the final five episodes are under wraps, but Fox, which broadcasts the show, and series creator Chris Carter have promised that many of the questions raised in the show's nine seasons will finally be answered.

In the final episode being written by Carter, Duchovny's character, Agent Fox Mulder, who has been absent from the show this year, will be reunited with fellow Agent Dana Scully, played by Gillian Anderson.

Duchovny, who at one point sued 20th Century Fox Film Corp. alleging inside dealing when it sold syndicated "X-Files" episodes to sister networks -- will also direct one of the final episodes set to air April 28.

That episode's plot is derived from an idea that Duchovny co-wrote with Carter and executive producer Frank Spotnitz.

Duchovny played a limited role on the show last season, with actor Robert Patrick taking over as lead male in the role of Agent John Doggett.

But many diehard fans lost interest as the story left its roots and Annabeth Gish joined the show as Agent Monica Reyes.

When it debuted in 1993, "The X-Files" quickly developed a cult following with tales of the paranormal set against the backdrop of a broad government conspiracy to cover up an alien invasion.

Viewers were also attracted by the relations between Duchovny, whose character was obsessed with uncovering the conspiracy, and Anderson, whose faith in science was regularly challenged by events and phenomena she could not explain.

The show won 15 Emmy awards over the years, including acting honors for Anderson. It also spawned a feature film, with a second film now in the works.