Interview

Kiefer Sutherland Says ’24′ Movie Will Be ‘Like Going Home’

January 13, 2012 · 3 comments

Kiefer Sutherland TCA 2011

Kiefer Sutherland smiles when he talks about anticipating the late-April/early-May start of production on the big-screen “24″ movie. “That’s like going home,” he says of getting back into Jack Bauer’s skin.

It’s been more than five years since the “24″ team first set its sights on making a feature. Sutherland acknowledges, “That process has taken us so long; it’s such a complicated script to write. Normally, we have 24 hours to tell a story. Trying to condense it into two hours involves a lot of hard choices: What kind of story do you want to tell? How political do you want to make it? How character-driven do you want to make it?”

The star was also was among the notables on hand at Fox’s party at the historic Castle Green Hotel in Pasadena, Calif., where he chatted away gamely and amiably even though a small group of reporters pretty much backed him into a small space behind a grand piano. He elaborated on some of what he talked about at the earlier press conference — including the “24″ film.

As far as the answers to all those questions about how political and/or character-driven the big screen “24″ will be, he laughed and said, “You’ll have to wait and see it.” He said that several “great actors have expressed interest in (acting in) it, either as an ally or villain.”

Source: The National Ledger

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Actor James Cromwell Slams ’24′ Writers

November 28, 2011 · 5 comments

James Cromwell as Phillip Bauer 24 Season 6

James Cromwell as Phillip Bauer in 24 Season 6

Actor James Cromwell who played Phillip Bauer in 24 Season 6 has some harsh words for the producers of the series, voicing disapproval of his character and claiming the writers lacked imagination:

You had some displeasure working on the series “24.” Could you go into that a bit?
I had never seen the show before, and I took it because my agent said it was important to do, that it would be a good thing. They paid me a lot of money to do it. And then I’ve taken my son captive and I’m torturing him, then I was going to take my grandson captive and threaten him. So I went to the producers and I said, “Look, are there any redeeming qualities to this character?” They looked at me as though I was nuts, I was asking something bizarre. And then on the floor of the set I saw this two-star general and asked him what he was doing there, and explained that he had come to talk to them about the presentation of torture, which I thought was eminently reasonable and necessary. And their reaction was flip, to my way of thinking. And to me they missed a great opportunity, which they could have done in the last season, to rectify what they had done — where he becomes disillusioned with this and makes every effort to change his techniques. It could’ve been a great contribution, but they didn’t have the imagination for that.

Source: Metro

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Sarah Clarke interviewed about Nina Myers in 24 Season 3

November 26, 2011 · 1 comment

Nina Myers 24

Sarah Clarke as Nina Myers

Here’s a new interview with Sarah Clarke talking about 24. She reveals that Nina Myers was originally intended to appear in ten more episodes of the third season (bringing the character all the way to the season finale rather than being killed by Jack in episode 14). But both she and Kiefer agreed that it would feel unrealistic if Nina was able to escape again.

I want to ask you about your past role in the hugely popular show 24. As the feisty bad girl Nina Myers, you were infamously knocked off by agent Jack Bauer. Do the 24 fans still react to you as that character?
They absolutely do. People were really taken by her. I’m very flattered and it’s funny because that role really took shape as the series went on. They certainly didn’t plan for her to be the way she was, so for me it was a wild ride and it was one of the first bigger TV jobs that I’d done, so I was very green. It was a very exciting time to be involved in something like that. But I have to say it’s also a character that by the third season, they really had to turn her into a bad guy. They just kept ramping it up every season to a point where I was like, “OK, I’m exhausted.” Originally they were going to keep me on for another ten episodes and I said, “Just don’t keep me on to torture me.” It was before kids, so I didn’t even have that resonating through me, but after a while it takes it’s toll and in the end, I think they realized that if I did get away that last time it just would start to feel false. So they gave me a great arc and I was very appreciative of it. And what I did like about it is that because we didn’t know that she was who she was, you kind of saw someone falling apart, and that’s real to me.

To me, there’s always a reason why people do things. They’re not just inherently bad. And you have to make them real in some way. That’s why when she started getting cartoon-ish, I never wanted it to go there. It was crazy some of the stuff they planned for the third season and I just said, “No we can’t!” {laughs}. And luckily Kiefer Sutherland agreed with me.

So given the choice, would you want your daughter to be involved with Jack Bauer, Edward Cullen or Jacob Black?
Oh, that’s a funny question {laughs}. Good God! They’re all pretty lethal. I don’t know. I might just ask her to go be a nun. {laughs}.

Source: Popstar

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Alex Gansa talks about India’s ’24′

November 20, 2011 · 0 comments

Alex Gansa

Alex Gansa

Former 24 writer and producer Alex Gansa (who created Showtime’s Homeland along with Howard Gordon) was interviewed about the recently announced Indian adaptation of the series. Here’s what he had to say:

THR: What are your thoughts about this 24 production in India?
Gansa: You know, Howard [Gordon], who created the show with me, he knows a lot more about that than I do. I know that Anil [Kapoor], who played the Iranian president in the last season of 24. He, after being on the set of 24, really decided that he wanted to play Jack Bauer in India.

So I understand that it’s up and running, that they’re going ahead. I think it’s great. I think it’s very cool. I’m actually dying to see how they do it because that part of the world, of course, is so interesting with the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. And it’s going to be fascinating to see how a half-Hindu, half-Muslim country deals with these issues of terrorism on the ground. I think it’s going to be fascinating. You know? Whether there’ll be singing or dancing is another issue. I don’t know. It’s going to be fun, though.

THR: So, how involved is Howard going to be in it?
Gansa: I don’t think he’s involved at all.

Source: THR

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Mary Lynn Rajskub interviewed about 24, Chloe O’Brian

August 31, 2011 · 1 comment

Mary Lynn Rajskub Photoshoot

We have to start with 24 – your most notable television role to date. Some people may not know that the part of Chloe was written specifically for you after the co-creator/producer of 24 Joel Surnow saw you in the film Punch Drunk Love (2002).
Yes. Actually at that time I had only auditioned for comedies and then I got the audition for 24 and I was like, “I don’t think I can do this right now. I don’t really do that. I had a really bad experience with dramas and I don’t think I can take it there today.” My agent said “Well I really think you should take a look at this. It’s a really good show.” I hadn’t watched the show so I went out got the DVDs and my mom is pretty savvy with TV and she had watched it from the beginning, so she was like, “Oh My God, it’s the best show. You have to go!” So the night before the audition, I watched two or three episodes and I thought “Wow, this show is pretty fantastic.”

I was excited to go in but on the page it was me talking to Jack and there was no character written, so it was like “Yes, Jack. No Jack.” Literally no dialog. So I go in and Joel Surnow met me in the hallway and said, “We’re so glad your here. I just love you. I think you’re terrific. I want to write a part for you…” Then he asked me what I think about the show and I said “I think it’s really really good.” He said, “You don’t watch our show do you?” So he totally called me out and I said “No. I just crammed.” {laughs}. So he said he was going to write a part for me and it was like a dream come true-totally amazing.

The full story is I didn’t really think he (Joel) was going to write the part and then when I got the part, I thought it was going to be four episodes. So I show up for work on this drama thinking “OK, I’ve got four weeks of work in this weird trailer where there’s a folding wall and there’s somebody six inches away from me.”

I didn’t think it was going to last but it did.

So did you get a better trailer?
I did. I got a trailer that I could actually take ten steps in and I had my own door. I was like “Wow! I’ve really made it!” {laughs}

When you look back, what was the best part about playing Chloe?

I think it gave me a lot more confidence in dramatic acting, and being able to be so loyal to such a smart character in such a complicated world. I’m just very lucky . I think the best part is that it was such a surprise, you know? Then it kept getting better and better.

Can you give a quick shout out to the fans of 24 who miss you and the show? I think there’s many people still mourning the end of 24.
I know they are. I have people on my Twitter – it’s pretty constant. The fans are always coming up to me and telling me how much they miss the show. It’s a really special show. It’s really beloved. It’s been awesome to be a part of the show. It’s a phenomenon. I have total respect and love. We had a great run and I was sad that it was over, but it’s like “OK, it’s time to move on. Cool.”

Source: Popstar

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24′s Howard Gordon on his three TV series, novel, and 24 movie

February 23, 2011 · 1 comment

Howard Gordon at Gideon's War book signing event in LA

Howard Gordon is interviewed about his three television projects, his novel Gideon’s War (and the upcoming sequel) and the 24 movie which he says is “on hold” (despite Kiefer saying otherwise). He also claims that the 24 series had “run its course” and was “time to end”.

The first January in a decade with no ’24′ just passed. Are you missing the show as much as fans are, or is it nice to have a break?
I miss it, but I’m really glad it’s over. Because I’m so sure that it had run its course and it was time to end. So there’s really no regrets. But that doesn’t mean I won’t miss it. I actually had lunch with Kiefer not that long ago, and he and I mixed it up quite a bit over the years, and we both looked at each other and said, “I miss you, man.” It was really nice.

It seems like there’s a different rumor about the ’24′ movie every day, including one recently that Ron Howard would be directing the movie. What’s the latest news on the movie?
The ’24′ movie is on hold for now, although conversations are ongoing. Beyond that, there is no news — at least as far as I know.

What’s the biggest challenge in taking ’24′ to the big screen?
The challenge is just not making it a movie for the sake of making a movie version of ’24,’ but really having a compelling story … simply making it good, frankly. I know that sounds non-specific. But nobody’s interested just to do it as an exercise. If it’s going to be out there, it has to be out there for a good reason.

Read the full interview over at TV Squad.

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CNN interviews Howard Gordon on Gideon’s War

January 26, 2011 · 2 comments

Howard Gordon, Jon Cassar, and Kiefer Sutherland

CNN has interviewed Howard Gordon about his novel Gideon’s War (and the upcoming sequel Allegiance) and even linked to my review/website in the article. Sweet, thanks CNN! :)

“Gideon’s War” is not by any means Gordon’s first effort to connect with an audience. As a former executive producer for The “X-Files,” and a consulting producer for “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” he clearly has shown a knack for keeping things exciting. But will people line up to shell out money for his latest project?

“It’s hard to break out like this guy,” says Gail Ross, a nonfiction literary agent based in Washington who admits to being a closet fiction reader. “But he’s got enough notoriety, and once you have the blurb from people you trust and the brand recognition, the readers will talk to each other.”
Gordon is getting a little help from his friends for sure. Kiefer Sutherland, the star of “24,” has offered a blurb for the back cover of Gordon’s book. [click to continue…]

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Howard Gordon: 24 movie script was “essentially shelved”

January 11, 2011 · 0 comments

Howard Gordon at 24's 150th episode party

His main character hates guns, searches for peaceful solutions and comes across as a genuine ambassador of good.

A little different from Jack Bauer, right?

“A little different, yes,” says Howard Gordon, the executive producer who turned “24″ into a ratings juggernaut and helped make Jack Bauer a household name.

But Gordon, a Long Island native who has immediate family living in Bergen County, was not looking to create another rules-be-damned, cross-every-line hero. So when he sat down to write “Gideon’s War,” his debut novel, he left Bauer’s eight seasons of footprints behind. [click to continue…]

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Howard Gordon talks Gideon’s War, 24 movie, possible Jack Bauer novel

January 7, 2011 · 2 comments

Howard M Gordon

Howard Gordon is interviewed by Newsday’s Verne Gay about his upcoming debut novel Gideon’s War, the 24 movie, and a possible Jack Bauer novel should the movie deal fall through. The interview also mentions a planned sequel to Gideon’s War, “Allegiance,” due out next year.

The ninth season of “24″ should have been starting just about now – except, of course, “24″ ended (sob . . . sob again) last year. There may be a “24″ movie someday, but in the meantime, bereaved fans may wish to consult “Gideon’s War,” a new novel by Howard Gordon, the show’s longtime executive producer. [click to continue…]

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Howard Gordon on the scrapped “24″ movie script

December 31, 2010 · 1 comment

Howard Gordon at the TCA 2009

Entertainment Weekly’s Lynette Rice talked to Howard Gordon about the 24 movie being in limbo (which he first revealed to AssignmentX two weeks ago).

“As far as I know, it is in suspended animation,” Howard Gordon, the longtime executive producer of 24 who is also expected to produce the big screen version, told EW exclusively. ”There is talk about re-approaching it. I understand (director/producer) Tony Scott is meeting with Kiefer to talk about ideas. People are still talking about it.”

“I was disapppointed [Fox] passed on the script but I’m certainly hopeful that the movie will get made at some point,” he said. “Anecdotally, I’ve heard from people who are really missing the show and I do think there is more life in Jack Bauer.”

Check out the whole story at Entertainment Weekly.

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Mary Lynn Rajskub turns back clock on ’24′

December 14, 2010 · 0 comments

There was a question mark hanging over Season 8 for a long time, as to whether it would be the last year of the show. When the decision was made, do you feel you were given sufficient warning to make your peace with it?
Yes and no. We all kind of knew, we all felt it coming. We felt it the year before it happened. And the only thing that I can complain about is they waited and waited and waited to let the crew and everybody know. It was just that feeling of, O.K., come on, just tell us. Because it was really down to the wire. On the other hand, from the little that I heard on the business side of it, I think it was something they were grappling with down to the wire. It’s a strange thing. In some ways, you’re like, why couldn’t they make this work? This show could go on forever. But then, on the other hand, it’s like, we’ve had our time and why push it farther? Let’s make the ending work the best that it can.

Check out the full interview at the NY Times

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24 cast members interviewed at 24 Marathon event

December 6, 2010 · 3 comments

Carlos Bernard at 24 Marathon Challenge

Carlos Bernard

He played: Tony Almeida, Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7.
What he’s doing now: “I’m producing and starring in a pilot with Deran Sarafian (‘House.’) It’s called ‘The Blue Wall’ and is the true story of an ex-police officer who was chosen by New York mayor David Dinkins to go after corrupt cops. It’s a really interesting story. We’ll see what happens. I still get recognized as Tony. People yell out, ‘Hey, Tony!’ That’s good. It means they enjoyed me on ’24.’”
Which series he’d watch a marathon of: “‘Dexter.’ I like that show. It has great acting, great writing and really strong directing. That’s one of the few shows that I watch.”

Check out the full interview – with responses from Gregory Itzin, Necar Zadegan, Jon Cassar, and Lou Diamond Phillips, over at TV Squad.

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“24″ movie details: Chloe returns, set 18 months after Season 8

November 11, 2010 · 3 comments

Howard Gordon

24's Howard Gordon

24 showrunner Howard Gordon revealed some more solid details on the 24 movie in a recent interview with Digital Spy. He reveals a returning character (and hints at there being more), the movie locations, and the time gap between Season 8 and the movie.

Moving on, how far along are you with the 24 movie?
“There is a script. It’s being read by Fox now. There’s no schedule, there’s no green light, there’s no plans right now in terms of a calendar for it. But we’re working on it.”

You just mentioned it’s good to see Jack somewhere exotic. There have been lots of rumors that the movie will be partially set in the UK. Can you say anything about that?
“Right now the UK is a location, Prague is a location and Serbia. And China.”

Do you think there’ll be more than one movie?
“I think the intent is actually hopefully to build a franchise and [writer] Billy Ray says he’s got three.”

When does the movie pick up after the end of season eight?
“It’s roughly 18 months.”

Can you tell me anything about the plot?
“No. Only because it’s such a work in progress that anything I say could be invalid tomorrow. We’re a couple of weeks away, I think one way or the other we’ll know more shortly.”

What about which cast members will be back?
“I can tell you… again even that is way subject to change, but right now I can tell you that Chloe… How about Chloe, I’ll give you Chloe.”

Go on, you were going to say more then!
“I was, but again that could go away, it truly could.”

Check out the full interview at Digital Spy, it’s a great read. Howard talks about the criticism regarding Allison Taylor’s shift in behavior, why Aaron Pierce and Tony Almeida didn’t return in Season 8, writing the shows final scene, and Jack Bauer’s partners.

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Mary Lynn Rajskub interviewed

November 9, 2010 · 0 comments

Mary Lynn Rajskub Creative Emmys 2009

Digital Spy recently had the chance to interview Mary Lynn Rajskub, 24‘s Chloe O’Brian on her role in the series.

How were you originally cast as Chloe?
“I had never watched 24. I mostly did comedy stuff before. Having just had a really bad CSI audition, I got called to audition for 24. My mom was a huge fan of the show and so she said, ‘You have to go, this is the greatest show’. My agent sent me some copies of the show [and] I went having crammed as much as I could before the interview. I met [producer] Joel Surnow and he said, ‘You’re great, I’m writing a part for you. I know there’s nothing on the page, but you’re great’. I felt very validated and fantastic about myself!”

Do you have a favorite scene or moment from your time on 24?
“A lot of people tell me their favorite was me shooting the bad guy in season four. That was up there. Whenever I get to act outside of CTU, I really like it. I like it when I’m emotional too. Like when Edgar died! Through the glass, that was a good one. Watching his body fall!”

Check out the full interview over at Digital Spy.

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Mary Lynn Rajskub interviewed by TV Squad

July 27, 2010 · 0 comments

Mary Lynn Rajskub

Were you working on it while you were finishing up ’24′ or was this something that came after?
Yeah, I was working on it a lot and all of a sudden I’m just thinking I’d like to take a vacation. I wanted to transition off ’24′ but I didn’t want to jump on another show, I wanted it to be the right thing, and it’s hard to know what that is. But for me, I’ve always performed so it was an easy choice for me to jump right into that.

How tough was that to do when you have to do the normal stuff you do for ’24,’ learning lines, getting it shot, was there enough time?
Oh, it was intense, I mean definitely the live show went on hold sometimes, so we did it when we could. But working on the show towards the end of ’24,’ it was a really emotional time.

[click to continue…]

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