FOX made waves last week by saying 24 might continue without Kiefer Sutherland. Thousands of people have voted in our poll with 70% saying of you saying that Kiefer is essential to the franchise. For those worried that Sutherland would be sidelined this time around, fear not – that seems more like a backup plan. FOX boss Gary Newman explains in a new interview:
Newman says he’s not concerned about backlash after announcing that the next installment of 24 might not include Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer. “If [Sutherland] wants to, he’ll be in it and it will be built around him,” he says. “That would by far be our preference.”
But Newman says the star has given his blessing to continue without him. “I think the idea of real time is a powerful franchise. Rebooting 24 in another way, with a different character, is actually an exciting reimagining,” Newman says.
So basically, the project is moving forward with or without Kiefer Sutherland. FOX has now made it clear their preference is to have Kiefer return, but if for whatever reason they can’t make it happen, they’ve left themselves the option of a new lead.
Somewhat interesting is the news that 24 producers Evan Katz and Manny Coto are attached as showrunners of FOX’s potential live-action X-Men series (the duo was also attached to a ghost-hunting drama in September). Depending on how all that shakes out, it’s possible there might be a new writing crew for this upcoming 24 revival.