How a Hollywood Bowl rejection led to one of 24’s most thrilling action sequences

Summary

– The shoot required careful planning, balancing budget and location logistics.

Filming action-packed scenes for 24 has always involved creative problem-solving, and the Colosseum shootout in Season 2 is a prime example. Initially, the plan was to use the iconic Hollywood Bowl as the backdrop for this intense showdown. However, with concerns over gunfire, helicopters, and the high-intensity scene, the location could have been more suitable, prompting the production team to find an alternative.

The Colosseum was the perfect replacement, offering a dramatic setting that lent itself well to the explosive sequence. The behind-the-scenes planning was meticulous, as the crew envisioned Jack Bauer navigating treacherous territory to take down Kingsley’s men. Director Jon Cassar walked through the action, detailing how Jack gets behind enemy lines, guns blazing, with bullets flying as he fights to save Sherry Palmer.

The choreography included everything from gunfights and helicopter stunts to hand-to-hand combat. “Jack pops up, and boom—he’s taking out everyone,” Cassar described. With a relentless assault, Jack’s mission is to give Sherry enough time to escape despite being outnumbered and surrounded. Kiefer Sutherland’s character had to keep moving, dealing with enemies on all sides and ending with a brutal fight that dragged out into the open arena.

To make the scene even more cinematic, the team incorporated details like views through fences and hints of the Colosseum’s arches, creating tension before the full reveal. Balancing the budget was a challenge, and the production team awaited confirmation on whether they could secure the location for two days. If not, it was back to the drawing board.

Despite the hurdles, the Colosseum shootout is one of the most memorable and action-packed scenes in 24 history, proving that sometimes unplanned changes lead to cinematic gold.