Showrunner says a return for Kiefer Sutherland is officially in development
Summary
– Howard Gordon confirms a new 24 project featuring Jack Bauer is being developed
– Kiefer Sutherland supports the concept and wants closure for Bauer’s story
– Disney now controls the rights, meaning the revival must clear new approval channels
The clock may start ticking again for Jack Bauer. Howard Gordon has confirmed that a new 24 project is officially in development, backing up Kiefer Sutherland’s recent comments about a potential return. The longtime showrunner explained that the creative team has finally found a direction strong enough to revisit the franchise.
Sutherland previously revealed that Gordon had written material he was excited about, calling the idea powerful and something he would gladly pursue. He also noted that the rights to 24 now sit with Disney following the Fox acquisition, meaning the project must navigate a different approval process before moving forward.
Gordon expanded on those challenges, acknowledging years of exploring possible revivals, spin-offs, and pitches that never fully clicked. He referenced his work on past iterations, including new leads and alternative formats. Still, he admitted that none had delivered the confidence needed to bring Bauer back in a meaningful way until now.
The showrunner emphasized that any revival must honor the legacy of 24, its fan base, and the character that defined it. He stressed that a return only works if the new story maintains the standard set by the original series, especially at this stage of his career and Sutherland’s. Although the project has not yet been greenlit, both creators believe the latest concept could be the one.
For longtime fans, the update signals the most serious progress toward Jack Bauer’s return in years. If approved, the revival would finally close the chapter left open since Bauer’s last mission.
