When The X-Files premiered on television in 1993, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show attracted a dedicated following of science fiction and horror fans who eagerly followed the weekly investigations of Mulder and Scully into the unexplained. Its popularity spawned spin-offs, video games, comic books, and even feature films. Mulder and Scully also made appearances on other Fox shows, famously crossing over with The Simpsons and appearing in a beloved episode of Cops. But beyond these well-known cameos, The X-Files has surprising connections to other media that many viewers might not know about.
Even dedicated fans of The X-Files might be surprised to discover a hidden connection between the sci-fi show and the 2007 vampire horror film 30 Days of Night. Originally a comic book by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith, the movie, starring Josh Hartnett, takes place in a remote Alaskan town that experiences a full 30 days of darkness each year. This provides the perfect opportunity for a group of vampires to prey on the town’s residents for an entire month without fear of sunlight. Although the film didn’t gain much attention, a few years later, a new story would bring the vampires’ actions to the attention of the FBI.
Mulder & Scully Experienced ’30 Days of Night’
IDW Publishing/Wildstorm Productions
In 2010, a six-issue comic series titled The X-Files/30 Days of Night was released. The unusual title reflects the story’s blend of the two franchises. Like the original 30 Days of Night comic and movie, the story takes place in Alaska, where a series of cannibalistic murders draws the attention of FBI agents Mulder and Scully. At first, they suspect a human perpetrator or creature, but they soon discover they are facing the terrifying, brutal vampires from 30 Days of Night.
The synopsis for The X-Files/30 Days of Night reads:
The FBI investigates a series of murders in Alaska linked to a possible cannibalistic killer, but the case proves more complex than expected. As the long Alaskan winter sets in, Mulder and Scully uncover unsettling clues suggesting something supernatural is at play, and they begin to question the connection to a strange, black ship.
The show The X-Files isn’t new to the idea of vampires. Mulder faced one in a Season 2 episode called “3,” but the most well-known vampire story is probably “Bad Blood” from Season 5. These two episodes also demonstrate how versatile The X-Files could be, blending different genres each week. “3” is a darker, more thoughtful look at the appeal of vampires, while “Bad Blood” is a funny story inspired by the film Rashomon.
IDW Publishing/Wildstorm Productions
When Mulder and Scully investigate a vampire outbreak in Alaska – similar to the one depicted in 30 Days of Night – they quickly realize these creatures are different. Unlike the vampires usually seen in folklore or even previous X-Files episodes, these are much more savage and animalistic. Their brutal behavior and frightening looks make it impossible for them to hide among people, and the case challenges everything the show had previously established about vampires.
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Although it was short-lived, The X-Files actually shares a universe with the 2007 vampire film 30 Days of Night. With a reboot of The X-Files currently being developed by Ryan Coogler, there’s a possibility of seeing more crossovers in the future. For now, fans can enjoy both 30 Days of Night and The X-Files knowing they exist in the same world, with Mulder and Scully potentially involved in the events of the vampire story.
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2026-02-20 20:08