Kiefer Sutherland’s relationship with Fox continues, since the actor has signed on to come back to the network for a limited 24 revival. The new episodes would bring Jack Bauer back to the small screen after failed attempts to bring the character to the big screen.
Ever since the show ended in 2010, there have been rumors that a movie was in the works, but those plans kept getting stalled for various reasons, including Sutherland’s Touch. That show finished its second season this year and was cancelled, freeing Sutherland’s schedule. He said in April that he was still interested in reviving Jack Bauer.
Then, last week, there were rumors that the show wasn’t making the jump to the movies and instead going back to TV. According to The Wrap, Fox confirmed these reports during this morning’s upfront presentation in New York.
Deadline has also confirmed that Sutherland has officially signed on. Howard Gordon, who was the showrunner on 24 and now works on Showtime’s Homeland, will co-produce through his Teakwood Lane, which is based at 20th Century Fox TV. Imagine TV’s Brian Grazer will be back as executive producer.
“24 compressed over 12 weeks, Jack is back,” Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly said before the presentation, notes THR. “It’s something that I think if it doesn’t happen, I will not be heartbroken...I’m very proud of that run and how it ended. It was very hard to get it to the finish line with some kind of grace in closure. Why mess it up? But if you find the right story...”
Fox has also greenlit Wayward Pines from M. Night Shyamalan. This will also be a limited event series and Matt Dillon has signed on to star.
image: Amazon
