A Jack Bauer return in Fox’s 24 spinoff, 24: Legacy, was ruled out late last year when actor Kiefer Sutherland revealed that the show was “moving on” without his memorable character. Now, however, it appears that all hope is not lost. Executive producer Howard Gordon revealed Friday at Austin’s ATX TV Festival that there is still a chance for Sutherland to reprise his role, reports Deadline.
At this point, the idea is still just that — a possibility, not a reality. The actor has not reached a deal to appear on the show, and Legacy is still set to star Corey Hawkins as the new protagonist. However, Gordon made it clear that Sutherland could guest star as the top government agent.
“I do think the character has life in him, whether it’s a movie or if he intersects with this new iteration of 24,” said Gordon during his ATX TV Festival master class. “I sure would love to see him at some point on the show, and I don’t think he’s ruled it out, either.”
Back in October, Sutherland was pretty clear about not appearing on the show, but he did tell the BBC a cameo was not out of the realm of possibility. He made it clear that he was interested in doing “other things.” A guest role, however, would be the best of both worlds. He would still be able to work on other projects, like his upcoming drama TV series, Designated Survivor, which premieres this fall, plus give 24 fans a thrill.
Currently, Sutherland is not in talks with the team to appear in the spinoff, according to Deadline, but there is said to be an arc for Bauer in the second part of Legacy‘s first season, assuming a deal is reached. Meanwhile, other 24 characters may appear throughout the season as well. With or without them, though, Gordon promised that Hawkins’ character is “compelling in his own right.”
24: Legacy is schedule to premiere on February 5, 2017.
