Any big news on a 24 movie screeched to a halt at the very beginning of this year, when the show’s executive producer, Howard Gordon, revealed that Bill Ray‘s script had been turned down by Fox. Many agreed that the prospect of a feature film centered on more of Jack Bauer‘s exploits seemed less likely with this development. This either bothered you or it didn’t; a TV-to-film project doesn’t exactly leave a lot of middle ground for people.

There is hope for the series’ fans, however, and it comes from Kiefer Sutherland. When talking to The Telegraph (via CinemaBlend), he had this to say about the movie’s chances:

“We are coming very close to having a finished script. That’s been the most difficult thing. You have to remember that we have 24 hours to explain the stories in 24 and so trying to condense that into a two-hour film version has been a real shift in gear for us. We were originally trying to make it too big and put too much into it – but once we relaxed, we found out how to tell that story. So yes we definitely do plan on making the film.”

Who’s been writing this screenplay? It’s possible that Ray quietly returned after his initial draft was deemed unacceptable, or potential director Tony Scott could have gotten someone else on board. The former option is one I’d vastly prefer, as my excitement in a 24 movie — even as someone who watched the show from beginning to end — isn’t terribly high. The involvement of a talented guy like Ray makes a big difference, though. But, a script getting completed won’t necessarily lead to a film; Fox still has to approve it, after all. Much like Arrested Development, this is one transplant that I’ll only believe when I see it.

Does a 24 movie seem like a strong possibility? Is there still any interest on your part?