Chris Carter's sci-fi horror series Millennium (1996-1999) has achieved cult status with fans around the world. The TV series had a profound impact on those who watched it; the lead character Frank Black, played by actor Lance Henriksen, was a true hero for our time and is loved by many.

Whilst Millennium has been successful in retaining a sizable and active community of fans it has broadened its audience through the release of DVDs and repeat broadcasts.

There are many new and ardent supporters of the franchise who were too young to recall its original broadcast.

In addition to having a very active online community with a collection of well frequented websites it has resulted in the presence of online petitions calling for its return, a fan created spin off series, countless social network profiles and groups, facebook campaigns and homage groups and has even made its presence know in the virtual world of 'Second Life'. It is widely credited as being responsible for the birth of 'virtual/fan seasons' by spawning a body of work so professional that Millennium series writer Kay Reindl remarked it was of the standard required for production.

During the time the series has been off air actor Lance Henriksen and creator Chris Carter have often spoke of their desire to see the franchise reach the big screen, this desire has been shared by a number of the lead actors and production crew including Sarah-Jane Redmond and Frank Spotnitz.

The recent financial success of 'X-Files: I Want to Believe' resulted in a galvanized fan base who has responded to calls to show their support for the concept of the franchise's return to screen. Recently Frank Spotnitz commented that whenever he or Chris Carter make a public appearance they are always asked about the possibility of a Millennium Movie and Lance Henriksen's appearances at conventions has resulted in displays of the same level of affection and interest from attendees.

When news of the return of the X-Files franchise broke, speculation that Lance would reprise his role in the movie was one of the hottest topics in relation to this resulting in the webmasters of Millennium Communities being inundated with messages of support and interest in seeing Frank return. Countless media forums, genre communities and entertainment websites covered the story of his possible return with many receiving overt displays of fan support with regards to the possibility.

It is true to say the creators desire it and more than true to say its lead actor desires it and more importantly an ever growing fan base of supporters are ready to support it at the box office. This is why Twentieth Century Fox should immortalize Frank Black in film.

There are some strong arguments to justify making a Millennium movie:

• Pre-sales of the new DVD box set, Millennium: The Complete First Season, have achieved a high sales rank at Amazon.com;
• The growing fan base for Millennium following the release of the DVD of the TV series, would mean an immediate, captive audience for DVD sales of the movie;
• The primary target audience for the movie would be 35-65 year-olds who represent the fastest growing cinema-going and DVD-buying audience;
• It would also appeal heavily to the 25-34 age group (particularly given the runaway success of the recent TV series, CSI), who account for 35% of all cinema-goers;
• The movie would allow a deeper development of Frank Black, giving a new angle on this intriguing character;
• Fans of both Millennium and Lance Henriksen are predominantly from eight of the largest cinema attending countries in the world.

The success of the movie will be dependent on two things: that Lance Henriksen is cast as Frank Black and a top rate script is developed. Lance's portrayal of the troubled FBI profiler was breathtaking, creating one of the best TV characters of all time. Lance himself is keen to further develop the role; he has made it clear that he would like to do a Millennium movie.

Perhaps more importantly, there is a large potential market. Millennium's largest fan bases are the US/Canada followed by the UK/Europe and Australia/Asia. These are all large cinema-attending countries:

US/CAN/MEXICO: 60% fan base; population - 428 m; percentage of 25 to 65-yr-olds - 55%; available audience - 235 m; total accessible audience - 141 m.

UK/EUROPE: 30% fan base; population - 536 m; percentage of 25 to 65-yr-olds - 53%; available audience - 284 m; total accessible audience - 85 m.

AUSTRALIA/ASIA: 10% fan base; population - 3,152 m; percentage of 25 to 65-yr-olds - 45%; available audience - 1,418 m; total accessible audience - 142 m.

The demographics support these audience figures. Whilst the 25 to 34-yr-old group represents 35% of all cinema attendees, the number of people over 35 yrs that are going to the cinema regularly has grown by nearly 200% over the last 6 years. Nearly three quarters of these go with their partner or spouse; of course, the movie will have a strong appeal for both.

Moreover, it is the older age groups that have both the disposable income and time to enjoy these pursuits: in the UK alone 11m people between the ages of 45-60 own 70% of the nation's wealth. And over the last two decades consumption by the over 50s has risen by three times that of the rest of the population.

As we said at the start, the numbers add up. When box office return is so important to you, can you afford NOT to make this movie?