Why making a movie of Fox’s 24 series may be a bad idea

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Why making a movie of Fox's 24 series may be a bad idea

As a longtime fan of the groundbreaking series “24,” I can’t help but be excited about the rumors of a movie adaptation. But having followed this show since its debut in 2001, I have my reservations.

There seems to be news about making a film adaptation of the Fox TV show “24”! However, is it worthwhile turning this distinctive series into a movie?

In the year 2001, the series “24” made a big splash with its debut. The fundamental storyline centered around Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), an elite agent working for the Counter Terrorism Unit based in Los Angeles. His mission: thwart an assassination attempt on presidential candidate David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert). To add to his challenges, Jack’s daughter (Elisha Cuthbert) was kidnapped, uncovering a far-reaching conspiracy.

As a devoted fan, I’d describe the unique charm of “24” this way: The groundbreaking concept of 24 episodes per season, all unfolding in real-time, kept me on the edge of my seat. With multiple screens and a ticking clock as my constant companions, each episode was an exhilarating ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. “24” was a critical and commercial success, and before the rise of streaming services, it became the must-watch show for DVD collectors looking to binge-watch.

As a dedicated fan of “24,” I’ve been following this gripping series since its inception, and I can’t help but be excited about the possibility of another eight seasons. With season 5 being a particular highlight, winning multiple Emmy awards for Best Drama Series and Kiefer Sutherland for Best Actor, I can only imagine what new twists and turns the storyline would bring.

I’ve heard whispers here and there about plans for a new project, and now the buzz is growing stronger. Reports suggest that Brian Grazer and his team at Imagine Entertainment are considering making a film version of it. He even mentioned it during an interview on MSNBC’s “Squawk Box.” As a gamer, I can’t help but feel excited about the possibility of seeing this come to life on the big screen.

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.

The plans for a potential new Bauer series with Sutherland are only just beginning, so it’s undecided if he will reprise his role. However, is it necessary to create a film adaptation of the TV show?

Why a 24 movie may be a bad idea

I’ve been a devoted fan of “24” since its early seasons. I can still remember the excitement and anticipation as each new episode unfolded in real-time, keeping us hooked for 24 hours straight. However, I must confess that I’ve had some reservations about the movie format for this series.

The allure of “24” lay in its unique power, with fans eagerly anticipating the intensity to build in each installment. Concerns for characters like Jack, as they faced peril, were tempered by the constant reminder of the clock ticking down. Even commercial breaks seemed fitting within this innovative structure. The show masterfully employed this format, and watching it in its entirety, whether on DVD or streaming, is a testament to its impressive execution for one season, not to mention nine.

An intriguing fan proposition for a movie is extending its duration to 150 minutes and naming it “2.4.” Nevertheless, this length might be excessive for cinema audiences, and recreating real-time can be more complicated than anticipated. The series “24” necessitated several hours to effectively develop their storylines; condensing it into a two-hour span could potentially fall short of conveying the full force of a narrative.

I’ve pondered over this dilemma, considering the age factor that comes with Sutherland being 57 now. The idea of continuing with a “legacy sequel” character has been attempted before with varying results. While Sutherland might cherish his role as Bauer, it’s equally plausible that he’s chosen to explore new opportunities and leave Jack behind.

From a devoted fan’s perspective, I must admit that “24” was a captivating series during its prime-time run. However, it doesn’t hold the same mainstream appeal as iconic franchises like “Indiana Jones” or “Top Gun.” It’s been over ten years since we last saw Jack Bauer in action, and it seems that only die-hard fans are eagerly anticipating a return to the screen. The possibility of a movie adaptation, condensing season 1’s storyline into two hours, is intriguing. Yet, considering the time elapsed and the evolving entertainment landscape, it feels like an uphill battle to bring this beloved franchise back in a way that will resonate with both old and new audiences.

The chances of a revival for the show are slim, with most viewers only able to watch it on streaming platforms like Hulu. However, even if the show returns with a 24-episode format, it remains uncertain whether Sutherland will participate. Additionally, the unique appeal of the show may have lost its charm over time.

A 24 movie might have been successful in the past when Sutherland was younger and the show was at the height of its popularity. However, with the passage of time, it now seems outdated, and a movie wouldn’t be able to capture the essence of the TV format as effectively. Although a revival of 24 on streaming platforms could be an intriguing prospect, this is one series that may struggle to adapt to the big screen.

24 seasons 1-9 are streaming on Hulu.

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2024-07-20 01:23