Ugh, Hollywood. Despite Jennifer Lawrence's wage gap essay (opens in new tab) being a catalyst for change, Gillian Anderson just revealed that she was offered less money than David Duchovny for The X Files reboot. Erm, nope. Unacceptable.
As anyone who's binge-watched The X Files knows, Scully and Mulder share equal screen-time. Basically, if it weren't for Scully, Mulder would just be talking to himself about aliens in some tragic diner. So yes, this is ridiculous.
Gillian told The Hollywood Reporter (opens in new tab) that Fox offered her "half of what they want to offer David" while negotiating the reboot, and later revealed that the network used to require her to stand a few feet behind him on camera. While she successfully fought against being marginalized during The X Files' original incarnation, she was understandably dismayed when the network offered unequal pay yet again.
"It was shocking to me, given all the work that I had done in the past to get us to be paid fairly. I worked really hard toward that and finally got somewhere with it," she told The Daily Beast (opens in new tab). "Even in interviews in the last few years, people have said to me, 'I can't believe that happened, how did you feel about it, that is insane.' And my response always was, 'That was then, this is now.' And then it happened again! I don't even know what to say about it. It is…sad. It is sad."
Gillian and David ended up being paid equally for The X Files reboot, but that doesn't go far in mitigating the fact that she was low-balled in the first place. No words, only gifs.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Lizzo Celebrates Chart Win in a Hot Pink Bikini and Chanel Tights
A WHOLE LOOK.
-
Kensington Palace Is a "Glorious Prison" for Prince William and Kate Middleton's Children, Royal Expert Says
They're always being watched there.
-
Pete Davidson Is Reportedly in Trauma Therapy Following Harassment From Kanye West
He sought out therapy in April, a source has said.
-
Charli XCX Isn't Here to Appease Anyone
The pop star talks authenticity, her new album, and taking care of herself while on tour.
-
What 'Femininity' Means in 2022
Malala, Amanda Gorman, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and more define the word on their own terms.
-
Gossiping With DeuxMoi, the Internet's Lady Whistledown
The woman behind social media's "Society Papers" dishes on being the keeper of Hollywood's secrets and names her Diamond of the Season.
-
The 45 Best '80s Movies
An official ranking of the decade's standout films.
-
'Never Have I Ever' Season 3: Everything We Know
There's plenty more in store for Devi next season.
-
'Only Murders in the Building' Season 2: Everything We Know
The next season of the Hulu hit comedy will go in a "bigger direction."
-
The 27 Best Comedy Movies of 2021 (So Far)
From Melissa McCarthy as a superhero to Awkwafina as a dragon.
-
The 25 Best True Story Movies
Sometimes, real life truly is stranger than fiction.
