Some hugely disappointing news for 24 fans today. Despite the warm reception given to this year to 12-episode miniseries 24: Live Another Day, star Kiefer Sutherland recently revealed that he thinks Jack Bauer is finally gone for good.
Speaking with The Telegraph, Sutherland addressed questions of a possible 24 movie by admitting, “Me, I don’t see going back to it.” He then added:
“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. It was also an irresistible opportunity to go shoot in England. So for all of those reasons it made sense to do that last season.”
Those comments would seem to contradict previous rumblings of a 24 movie that would bring Jack Bauer to the big screen after the explosive events of Live Another Day. Of course, history has shown us that we should take Sutherland’s comments with a healthy grain of salt, and the actor was willing to admit as much, noting, “I think I said the same thing at the end of Season 8… So I would hate to be held to that.”
24 first ended after eight seasons in 2010. For a few years after that, discussions took place regarding a movie to wrap up the series, but talk eventually turned to a miniseries, which came together in the form of Live Another Day. Even as that continuation was in the works, however, rumors persisted that a big screen adventure for Jack Bauer was only a few years away. While promoting Live Another Day, Sutherland himself said “there’s always an opportunity” to make a 24 movie, and various executives claimed that discussions about a movie were ongoing.
Now, however, Sutherland’s tune appears to have changed, and it’s hard to fault him for that. Live Another Day drew positive reviews and strong ratings, essentially sending Jack Bauer out on a high note. Though the miniseries left the character’s future open-ended, perhaps Bauer has lived long enough already, and Sutherland feels that it’s time to move on.
Fans, what do you think? Would a 24 movie be a good idea, or would it simply make the Jack Bauer character more tired than he is already? Sound off belw.