There are certain shows that we would be happy to see return once more under the right circumstances. 24 is one of them, and Kiefer Sutherland has an optimistic update.
Sutherland was iconic as Jack Bauer in the FOX series. There is nobody we could see as Jack again, and the good news is, there’s no intention of recasting him. At least, not yet. Instead, there are talks of a continuation and not a reboot, which is exciting news.
Of course, for Jack to return, there needs to be a storyline. When Sutherland has been asked in the past about the show coming back, he’s always said no, but that was due to a lack of arc. Well, things have changed for the better.
There is a story for 24 to come back
It’s no secret that Sutherland has wanted to close out his character’s story. The problem has been with the script being available, but Sutherland explained to Aaron Rand on his Montreal Now radio show that things have changed.
There is a script, and apparently, Sutherland loves it. 24’s showrunner Howard Gordon has come up with the idea, and that means original storytelling.
“Before, the material had not been written, so I would have to say, ‘I’m not the one that’s in the way.’ [But] something has been written. I think it’s really good. I think it’s really strong.”
It’s not clear who would end up returning. There are some actors who may have open schedules, but not all will be able to return after spending the last decade or so working on other projects (and still working on them!).
There is likely a change in network
While all this is great to hear, there is something to keep in mind. 24 was originally a FOX series, but that’s not going to be the case anymore. As TVLine reminds us, 24 was sold to Disney under the various deals that have happened over the years, so it’s going to be Disney that has to greenlight this project to happen—or give the go-ahead for someone else to take it. It’s something that Sutherland also brought up, making it clear that this could be a long process to bring the show back.
And it’s not clear if it would be as a series or as a movie that just helps to close off the story for Jack Bauer. 24: Live Another Day left things wide open, and it has made all of us want more for years. While he did end the series accepting a heroic resignation, we just knew that it wasn’t quite over for him.
Right now, it’s not confirmation that 24 will return, but this has been the best news we’ve had for many years. And we’re ready for more Jack Bauer.