Kiefer Sutherland, the actor synonymous with the relentless counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer, remains steadfast in his desire to revisit the character. During a recent Young Guns panel at FanX Salt Lake, moderated by Collider's Maggie Lovitt, Sutherland addressed the persistent speculation about a '24' reboot, offering an optimistic update on the creative front.

According to Sutherland, the primary obstacle isn't a complex legal battle over intellectual property. Instead, the challenge lies with the current corporate custodians of the series. "I don't believe it's a rights issue," Sutherland explained. "It's just the people who have the rights have to have the will and want to make it." He suggested that shifts in company ownership have led to a diminished interest among new stakeholders compared to the original creators and producers.

Despite these corporate hurdles, the creative engine for '24' appears to be very much alive. Sutherland revealed that a "really good idea" for a new storyline is already in place, crediting longtime executive producer Howard Gordon and series co-creator Joel Surnow. This news will undoubtedly excite fans who have eagerly awaited a proper conclusion or continuation to Jack Bauer's saga.

Sutherland's personal connection to the character and the show is evident. He expressed a deep longing to step back into Bauer's shoes, stating, "I miss the character. I miss the show. I miss making something that made people so happy." His enthusiasm underscores the potential for a high-quality return, should the business side align.

However, Sutherland also acknowledged the ticking clock, quite literally, on Jack Bauer's age. He humorously noted the need for a timely return, adding, "no one wants to see an old, kind of limping Jack Bauer." This pragmatic view suggests that while the creative idea is strong, the window for a physically demanding role like Bauer's may not stay open indefinitely.

The last time audiences saw Jack Bauer, in '24: Live Another Day,' he had surrendered himself to Russian authorities in exchange for Chloe O'Brian's freedom, leaving his fate ambiguous. A new series would offer a chance to resolve this cliffhanger and bring closure, or a new beginning, to one of television's most enduring action heroes. For now, the original '24' series remains available for streaming on Hulu, allowing fans to revisit Jack's past missions while hoping for his future.