Sources close to Variety reveal that 20th Century Studios is embarking on the initial stages of developing a cinematic rendition of the beloved television series "24." This eagerly awaited film adaptation took a tantalizing leap forward with a teasing reveal from Brian Grazer, the co-founder of Imagine Entertainment, during his June appearance on MSNBC's "Squawk Box."
"Imagine Entertainment has always thrived in that realm where there's a high likelihood of success on the silver screen," Grazer enthused. "It's a fantastic opportunity for us, as we've crafted over 100 diverse products and brands spanning three decades, from 'Backdraft'—which I'm currently rebooting with Glen Powell—to '24,' a movie we're bringing to life in an intriguing manner, hand-in-hand with Disney and Fox."
Grazer further delved into Hollywood's current penchant for tapping into "already established" intellectual properties with "a high level of recognition," noting, "These formats of the late 90s and 2000s have gained immense significance, as streaming platforms and studios alike are increasingly averse to risk."
"24," crafted by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran for Fox, graced our screens for nine thrilling seasons between 2001 and 2014, and even spawned a television film titled "Redemption" in 2008. Kiefer Sutherland portrayed Jack Bauer, a formidable agent from the fictional "Counter Terrorist Unit" (CTU) of the U.S. government. Each season unfolded in a gripping 24-hour real-time narrative.
During its run, the series garnered 68 Emmy nominations, securing 20 wins, including the coveted Outstanding Drama Series and Lead Actor award for Sutherland in 2006. However, at this nascent stage, details about the film's plot and whether Sutherland will reprise his role remain under wraps. 20th Century Studios has declined to offer any further comment.
