Another season of FOX's terrorist-butt-whoopin' series 24 is in development, executives confirmed today.
Speaking during FOX's conference call this morning, Gary Newman, co-chairman and CEO, revealed that "another version" of 24 is in development, but warned it was still "fairly early" on.
"We have been developing another version of 24, but it's still fairly early in the development process," said Newman said. "So there just would be nothing we can tell you at this time other than we are working on something."
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding a new 24 would be whether or not longtime series star Kiefer Sutherland would be reprising his role as Jack Bauer. Earlier this year, FOX co-chairman/CEO Dana Walden said it's a "possibility" Sutherland won't be involved in the next installment of the show. "We're not talking about continuing the show without him," she said (via IGN). "We're talking about whether there is one installment that he's not in."
As for Sutherland, he didn't see himself returning for another season, but didn't rule it out either. "But I think I said the same thing at the end of season 8 so I would hate to be held to that," Sutherland said late last year (via IGN)
Of course, Sutherland returned to the television screen last year for the limited series, 24: Live Another Day. I don't want to spoil too much about the ending, but let's just say it left it open for interpretation regarding the return of Sutherland's character, Jack Bauer.
What FOX means by "another version" is a bit unclear. I've always maintained they should do a spinoff series focused more on the overall operations of CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit). For a long time, I've felt FOX hamstrung themselves by keeping the focus solely on Bauer. By following just one character, it removes any sense of suspense or surprise as you know he'll never get killed. But by taking the focus off one character, it allows for more Game of Thrones-esque shocker moments, where anyone can be killed at any time. Just makes for more excitement in my opinion.
