It would appear that Jack Bauer is ready to clock out. 20th Century Fox Television is busy developing a spin-off for 24, and this one will focus on a younger hero instead of Kiefer Sutherland’s gruff, gun-slinging main man.
TV Line tracked down co-creator Howard Gordon, who confirmed that the spotlight will be on someone new, but who keeps up the tradition of hunting terrorists and other criminals while reporting to an older, seasoned female operative. There’s no indication on what the new character’s trademark, network-appropriate swearword might be, but the phrase “Collywobbles!” is still available, so 24 veterans Manny Coto and Evan Katz, who are overseeing the new show, should take note.
And don’t worry if you think this truly means the end of the line for Jack: the plan is apparently for him to pop up in the story from time to time, probably to torture someone while sweating. Right now, Coto and Katz are working up a Live Another Day-style limited series with which to launch the new hero, maintaining the real-time concept. If it’s a success, expect the new 24 to turn into a long-term idea for the network.