Jack Bauer's Back? '24' Revival Is 'In Process,' Says Howard Gordon

Good news, 24 fans! Showrunner Howard Gordon has confirmed that a new project featuring Kiefer Sutherland's iconic Jack Bauer is officially in development, though it's still early days and major hurdles remain.

TL;DR: Here's the Quick Scoop on the '24' Revival

• Kiefer Sutherland and showrunner Howard Gordon confirm a new 24 project is "in process."
• Sutherland is keen to reprise Jack Bauer, praising a new script idea and wanting to "close that story."
• Disney's approval is the next big hurdle, and maintaining the show's high quality is a top priority for Gordon.

The Relentless Tick of the Clock: Jack Bauer's Potential Return

Imagine the tension, the split screens, and that relentless digital clock ticking down, minute by agonizing minute. For fans of 24, these elements aren't just memories; they're the heartbeat of one of television's most groundbreaking thrillers. The idea of Special Agent Jack Bauer returning to thwart another world-ending threat has been a persistent whisper in Hollywood hallways for years, and now, it's getting louder.

The news comes straight from the source: Howard Gordon, an executive producer and showrunner who helped define 24's high-octane legacy, has openly confirmed that a revival is "absolutely in process." He shared these insights during an interview while promoting his recent Netflix drama, The Beast in Me. This isn't just wishful thinking; it’s an active development that could see Kiefer Sutherland back in action.

Kiefer Sutherland's Eagerness to Close Jack Bauer's Story Arc

A few months prior to Gordon's confirmation, Kiefer Sutherland himself dropped a significant hint during a radio interview with Montreal Now host Aaron Rand. He revealed that Howard Gordon had presented an idea for Jack Bauer's return that he genuinely liked, something that had been missing in previous discussions.

"Howard Gordon has come up with an idea that I like," Sutherland stated, adding, "something has been written. I think it's really good. I think it's really strong." This isn't a casual endorsement; it speaks volumes about the quality of the concept if Sutherland, who is synonymous with the character, is on board. He expressed a deep desire to "close that story" which was "left kind of wide open" after his last appearance in 2014's 24: Live Another Day. This sentiment clearly resonates with the dedicated fanbase eager for resolution.

Navigating the New Corporate Landscape: Disney Holds the Keys

While the creative momentum is building, a significant obstacle stands between development and production: the change in corporate ownership. 24 originally aired on Fox, but the franchise now falls under the vast umbrella of Disney, following their acquisition of 20th Century Fox Television.

Sutherland was quick to point this out, noting that the project "has to go through different channels before it's either approved or disapproved." Howard Gordon echoed this, confirming that "They, meaning Disney [parent company of 20th TV] and such, have not committed to it, so it still is a process." This means that even with a strong script and enthusiastic stars, the revival needs a green light from a new set of executives, which can always introduce new layers of complexity and potential delays.

The Enduring Allure of Real-Time Storytelling and Its Modern Iterations

24 was a pioneer in the real-time TV format, captivating audiences by unfolding events hour-by-hour, mirroring the on-screen countdown. This innovative approach created an unparalleled sense of urgency and immersion. While 24 wrapped up its original run in 2010, and a limited series in 2014, the real-time format is seeing a renewed interest.

Gordon cited HBO Max's The Pitt as a contemporary example that successfully utilizes this approach, albeit in a different genre. This suggests that the format itself still holds appeal for modern audiences. However, adapting this tightly structured narrative for today's fragmented viewing habits and potentially shorter season lengths (the original seasons were 24 episodes; Live Another Day had 12) presents its own set of creative challenges and tradeoffs.

Howard Gordon's Unwavering Commitment to Maintaining the Show's Legacy

Perhaps the most reassuring aspect for long-time fans is Howard Gordon's cautious yet determined approach to the revival. He openly admitted the difficulty in finding a storyline that "ever held water, that sustained itself" for a long time.

"I have such a nostalgia for that show, and I think Kiefer does too. One thing we couldn’t figure out for a long time was a direction that ever held water, that sustained itself. This feels like it could be, but it's not formal, it's not done. And there's a part of me, honestly, that also feels like, particularly at this point in my career and in my life, what I really don’t want to happen is that it’s not good because I don't think that's fair to the show. It’s not fair to the fans, not fair to, frankly, to myself. So it has to be something that you connect to, or at least you tell yourself you’re connected to. It may not turn out very well, but you have to at least believe that it’s something."

– Howard Gordon to Deadline Hollywood

This quote highlights a crucial tension: the desire to bring back a beloved series versus the imperative to maintain its quality. Gordon's concern isn't about simply capitalizing on nostalgia; it's about honoring the show's past and the fans' investment. This dedication to a compelling narrative, rather than a quick cash-in, is a promising sign that if 24 does return, it will be with a genuine creative vision.

The Shadow of Past Attempts: Learning from What Didn't Quite Land

The journey to a successful 24 Revival hasn't been without its detours. Gordon himself has "sat through dozens of pitches from other writers" and "developed a few." There was even a direct spin-off, 24: Legacy, which attempted to continue the real-time format with a new lead, Corey Hawkins. However, that series "failed to catch on," as Gordon noted, suggesting that the magic of 24 might be inextricably linked to Kiefer Sutherland's portrayal of Jack Bauer.

This past experience serves as a valuable lesson. It underscores the tradeoff between trying to innovate with new characters and satisfying the audience's deep connection to the original hero. The current approach, with Sutherland expressing strong interest in the script, indicates a recognition that Bauer's return is likely essential for a meaningful revival. This is a clear limitation for any 24 project that tries to move too far away from its core appeal.

The Hopeful Fan: A Real-World Scenario

Example: Sarah, a long-time 24 devotee, remembers staying up late to catch every episode during its original run, the suspense often keeping her on the edge of her seat. When she heard about the revival talks, her first thought was, "Is Kiefer in it?" After seeing the confirmations from both Sutherland and Gordon, she feels a cautious optimism. "They wouldn't do it if it wasn't good," she told her friends, "especially with Gordon being so protective of the show's legacy. But Disney's involvement always makes me a bit nervous about creative control." Her excitement is palpable, but tempered by the practicalities of modern television production.

What the Future Holds for Jack Bauer and His Fans

While the news of a 24 revival being "in process" is incredibly exciting, it's important to keep expectations grounded. The path from development to screen is often long and winding, especially when corporate approvals and creative integrity are paramount.

The two main limitations right now are Disney's official commitment and the internal pressure from Gordon to ensure the script truly lives up to the original's high standards. He doesn't want to tarnish the legacy of the show, nor disappoint the fans who have championed it for so long. This thoughtful, measured approach, while perhaps frustrating for those wanting immediate gratification, bodes well for the potential quality of any new installment. Fingers are crossed that these "considerable steps forward" will indeed yield tangible results and bring Jack Bauer back to our screens.

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating the Next '24'

• Stay Tuned for Disney's Verdict: The next major piece of news will be Disney's official green light. Without it, the project remains "in process" and not fully committed.
• Don't Expect a Quick Turnaround: Even with a strong script, development, production, and release schedules for a major series take time. Patience is key.
• Revisit the Classics: The complete 24 series, including 24: Live Another Day, is available to stream on Hulu if you need to catch up or refresh your memory.
• Trust the Creative Team's Caution: Howard Gordon's emphasis on quality over expediency suggests that if the show does return, it will be with a solid story worth telling.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About the '24' Revival Answered

Is Kiefer Sutherland definitely returning as Jack Bauer? Kiefer Sutherland has expressed strong interest and likes the new script idea developed by Howard Gordon, stating he would "love to close that story." However, an official commitment from Disney is still pending. Who is developing the new '24' project? Howard Gordon, a longtime executive producer and showrunner for the original 24 series, is leading the development. The original creators are Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran. Where can I watch the original '24' series? The complete series of 24, including 24: Live Another Day, is currently available to stream on Hulu. When will the new '24' series be released? There is no release date yet. The project is "in process" and awaiting official commitment from Disney before moving into full production.

Sources

• Collider.com - "24 Revival: Howard Gordon Confirms Jack Bauer Return 'In Process'"
• MovieWeb.com - "Howard Gordon Has Figured Out How to Bring '24' Back After All These Years"
• TVInsider.com - "'24' Boss Shares Update on Potential Revival After Kiefer Sutherland Tease"
• BleedingCool.com - "24 Revival: Howard Gordon Confirms Jack Bauer Return "In Process""
• ComingSoon.net (via Evolve Editors) - "24 TV Show Ex-Showrunner Shares Promising Update on Follow-up"