Network executives originally wanted a "taller, leggier, blonder, and breastier" actress for the role of Dana Scully. At one point in pre-production of the first season, Pamela Anderson was attached to the role, but series creator Chris Carter, who wanted a more cerebral character instead of a more physical one, flatly rejected her. When auditions for the character were finally held, Gillian Anderson was one of the actresses who tested for the part. Carter lobbied for her to be picked, eventually going so far as to talk with her in secret to give her tips on how to get the part, which she was eventually awarded. Ironically, in 1996 Gillian Anderson was voted FHM magazine's sexiest woman in the world, with Pamela Anderson in comparison coming in at number 10.
The look and in fact the inspiration for the personality of Scully in this first episode was based on The Silence of the Lambs' Clarice Starling.
Chris Carter finished putting the pilot together at 5:00 am, ready for screening to the Fox executives at 8:00 that same morning. Fortunately, his pilot was greeted with spontaneous applause from his audience.