Duchovny's role in Pet Sematary: Bloodlines flips his iconic turn as Fox Mulder in The X-Files, showing a new side of vulnerability while exploring similar themes. The movie can be seen as a form of an X-Files sequel, with Baterman's actions resembling those of Mulder in the later seasons of the show. Duchovny's casting was influenced by his role as a sympathetic and relatable father in Californication, bringing gravitas and beauty to the role of Bill Baterman.

While already a perfect continuation of his genre past, director Lindsey Anderson Beer reflects on how David Duchovny's X-Files past impacted his Pet Sematary: Bloodlines casting. Duchovny stars in the prequel movie to Stephen King's novel as Bill Baterman, a grieving father who looks to bring his son back to life after he is killed in the Vietnam War. Despite knowing the danger, Baterman elects to bury his son in the eponymous graveyard,...