’24’ May Live Another Day Without Kiefer Sutherland

Fox’s 24 drama series that focused on protecting Americans from terrorism plots and the efforts of a fictional Counter Terrorist Unit may return to television. Fox executives Dana Walden and Gary Newman are talking about reviving the hit show.

E! reported recent comments made by Newman about 24 returning to the airwaves.

“We would love nothing more than to do another 24. That’s a constant focus for us.”

Last July, Newman and Walden took over Fox Broadcasting. They recently attended the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California, where they hinted to a possible 24 return. However, Kiefer Sutherland may not return as main character Jack Bauer.

Hollywood Reporter coverage of this latest development reports what Walden had this to say to reporters about excluding Sutherland in the possible reprisal of 24.

“We have discussed it with him. Potentially, he won’t be in this installment; we’re not sure yet. We’re not that far along, but I know he supports us doing more 24. We’re not talking about continuing the show without him; we’re talking about whether there’s one installment that he’s not in. I look at everyone that surrounded Kiefer in that last installment and I think it could work.”

Dana suggested the real-time element format of 24 helps to keep viewers hooked.

“I think great characters with that creative team. I look at everyone that surrounded Kiefer in that last installment. I think it could work.”

Walden said Fox plans to take their time with an additional revival.

“The pitch was in the very origin stages and it could have gone either way. There was a point at which Jack Bauer could come in and fit very organically into their story or they were prepared to do something that would be the one installment without him.”

Longtime Fox executives Walden and Newman expressed there is no current plans or deal set in stone for more 24: Live Another Day; however, the potential does exist for a new installment of the television series without Jack Bauer.

Walden told reporters that 24 producers Manny Coto, Evan Katz, and Howard Gordon are focused on developing a new installment of the drama series and have pitched versions of the series that could have gone with or without Sutherland.

After 24 ended its eighth season in 2010, Emmy winner Kiefer Sutherland could not find work.

Sutherland told Hollywood Reporter he wanted to stay in television.

“I hadn’t planned on doing another show as quickly as I did. 24 was the first time I had a real job. It was the first time in my life where every three months I wasn’t panicked to death about how I was going to feed my kids.”

Last summer, Fox revived 24 as a limited series with Kiefer Sutherland as the leading character. The network is seriously considering another return of 24 in 2016. Can 24 fans still enjoy the series without Kiefer Sutherland?

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