The “Scully Effect” And Other Things You Never Knew About The X-Files

They Wanted A Sexy Scully

Photo credit: Moviestillsdb / NBC

Part of the reason The Scully Effect was so successful was because of Gillian Anderson, but she almost lost the role to another Anderson. The executives at FOX originally wanted someone “bustier, taller, and leggier.” Pamela Anderson was the producer’s #1 pick until Gillian came in and stole the show.

The show’s creator would be the one who advocated for Gillian as Scully since he was the one who wrote and envisioned a strong female lead who didn’t rely on looks. The executives may have wanted a sexier Scully, but most boys who grew up watching The X-Files definitely had a crush on Scully.

Next, The X-Files was the first of it’s kind to spawn a cult following, and their fans made up some popular terms we still use today.