A film adaptation of the popular television series “24” is in early development at 20th Century Studios, sources tell Variety.
Imagine Entertainment co-founder Brian Grazer teased the project during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Squawk Box” in June.
“Imagine has always played in that zone where there is that high probability chance that it will be successful in movie theaters. It’s great for us, because we’ve built, over 30 years, over 100 different products and brands, whether it’s ‘Backdraft,’ which I’m now going to do today with Glen Powell, or whether it’s ’24,’ a movie that we’re going to do in a very interesting way with Disney and Fox.”
Grazer also spoke to the Hollywood’s current outlook on selecting “already established” IP with “a high level of awareness,” adding, “These formats of the late 90s and the 2000s have become very important, because the streamers…or studios are very, right now, even more of risk averse.”
“24,” created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran for Fox, originally ran for nine seasons between 2001 and 2014, and spawned a television film called “Redemption” in 2008. Kiefer Sutherland starred as Jack Bauer, an agent from the U.S. government’s fictitious “Counter Terrorist Unit” (CTU). Each season depicted 24 hours in real time.
The series received 68 Emmy nominations during its run, earning 20 wins including outstanding drama series and lead actor for Sutherland in 2006.
At this early stage, there are no plot details available and no word yet on if Sutherland will return for the film. 20th Century declined to comment.
