Cue the beeps, as a movie adaptation of the behemoth action series hit 24 is in the works. The original show starred Kiefer Sutherland as no-nonsense US counter-terrorist federal agent Jack Bauer, and reports have revealed that a new adventure is now “in early development” courtesy of 20th Century Studios.
As per Variety, it is currently unknown whether the movie adaptation of 24 will bring back Bauer for more, or whether it will focus on a new cast of characters. However, according to Imagine Entertainment co-founder Brian Grazer (who was an executive producer on the original series), the studio believes there is potential for huge success by putting 24 on the big screen.
“Imagine has always played in that zone where there is that high probability chance that it will be successful in movie theaters. It’s great for us, because we’ve built, over 30 years, over 100 different products and brands, whether it’s ‘Backdraft,’ which I’m now going to do today with Glen Powell, or whether it’s ’24,’ a movie that we’re going to do in a very interesting way with Disney and Fox.”
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As well as teasing a Backdraft remake led by Twisters star Glen Powell, Grazer teases the 24 movie as something “very interesting.” The push to launch a new 24 project in theaters comes as part of Grazer’s desire to capitalize on “already established” franchises and fanbases. Which is, of course, something that is now happening across Hollywood studios as they attempt to tap into audiences’ nostalgia.
“These formats of the late 90s and the 2000s have become very important, because the streamers…or studios are very, right now, even more of risk averse.”
24 Is Now Considered One of the Best TV Shows of All Time
Created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran for Fox, 24 first began back in 2001 and follows Sutherland as the now iconic Counter Terrorist Unit agent, Jack Bauer. The show followed Bauer and his team as they attempt to thwart multiple terrorist plots to protect innocent people. But the real hook of the show was that everything happens in “real time” over 24 hours, which was emphasized by a digital countdown that would pop up throughout each episode.
Originally running for nine seasons, 24 has been brought back multiple times over the years for the TV movie 24: Redemption, the limited series 24: Live Another Day, and a spinoff titled 24: Legacy. The series was a huge pop culture hit, and won a series of awards and nominations, including at the Golden Globes and Emmy Awards. However, while 24 was largely met with critical acclaim throughout its run, accusations of Islamophobia and glorification and justification of the use of torture have since been leveled at the show. Something which any new project in the franchise would likely need to address.
Sutherland, meanwhile, has become synonymous with the grizzled, violent Jack Bauer, and while his involvement in the new movie is unknown, the actor did reveal last year that he keeps in touch with 24 showrunner Howard Gordon, and would “jump” at the chance to return.
24
is available to stream on Disney+.