Since he had joined The X-Files (1993) in Season 2, Frank Spotnitz had always been championing an episode devoted solely to magic.
Cradock Marine Bank is later used in Bali Ha'i (2016) an episode of Better Call Saul which is also written by Vince Gilligan.
Ricky Jay was Frank Spotnitz's favorite magician but initially proved unavailable, as did second choice David Blaine. Jay was later persuaded to clear his schedule, mainly by the fanboy devotion of Spotnitz and Chris Carter.