Could We Get More ‘24’ Without Kiefer Sutherland?
By Angie Han/Jan. 19, 2015 8:30 am EST
Still, Walden remains optimistic he could return:
We have discussed it with him. We talk to Kiefer all the time. He’s a great creative partner, 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.
Indeed, Walden recently heard a pitch for a new season that would leave the door open for Jack Bauer’s return. “It was very early in the origin stages and it could’ve gone either way,” she said. “Jack Bauer could come in very organically in the story, or [producers are] prepared to do something that would be the one installment without him.”
First of all, 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 think if the storytelling is exciting enough, that real-time element that the show really owns–so many of the production aspects are so unique to that show–I do [think we could do it without him]. I think [it could be] great characters with that creative team. I look at everyone that’s surrounded Kiefer in the last installment and I think it could work.
In December, Sutherland told press he didn’t envision doing more 24. “Me, I don’t see going back to it,” he said. “We had set out to do 12 episodes [of Live Another Day] to end the show and deal with some of the past history of the show.”
Even at the time, however, Sutherland freely admitted he’d sung this tune before. “I think I said the same thing at the end of Season 8,” he said. “So I would hate to be held to that.”
Sutherland’s unwillingness to return could turn out to be nothing more than a negotiation strategy, as could Fox’s readiness to move forward without him. But if both sides decide to maintain their stance, what do you think? Is 24 still 24 without Jack Bauer?
