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This Is Over!! . EW Says Fox Doesn’t Like The 24 Script Billy Ray Wrote For Tony Scott and Jack Bauer!!
Here’s a bad start for 2011!
Entertainment Weekly reports that the screenplay crafted for a big-screen “24” feature by screenwriter Billy Ray (“Shattered Glass,” “Suspect Zero,” “Flightplan,” “Breach,” “State of Play”) just wasn’t good enough for Fox to greenlight a further adventure for Jack Bauer and Chloe O’Brien.
“I was disapppointed [Fox] passed on the script but I’m certainly hopeful that the movie will get made at some point,” longtime showrunner Howard Gordon told EW. “Anecdotally, I’ve heard from people who are really missing the show and I do think there is more life in Jack Bauer.”
I know I missed listing “24’s” return date as I was compiling 2011’s TV premiere calendar.
A vengeful, bloodthirsty Bauer turned fugitive at the end of his eighth and final season last May, and Ray’s movie script would have moved Bauer overseas in a tale that would condensed 24 hours of Bauer’s life into the length of a motion picture.
The project is still being overseen for Fox by producer-director Tony Scott (“Domino,” “Déjà vu,” “The Taking of Pelham 123,” “Unstoppable”), who, like Ray, had nothing to do with the “24” TV series.
Find all of EW’s exclusive on the matter here.
Readers Talkback
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But a real time movie sounds interesting.
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Watch 'Nick of Time' with Johnny Depp. Not a bad movie, and it used a real-time narrative.
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Amazed Fox actually is being picky with their scripts these days... and Scott was one of the first names that popped into my head when thinking of a "24" film.
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I like the guy, but before 24 he was just a character actor. He really could use this franchise. Than again, Duchovny seemed doomed after X-files was over, but with californication he really reinvented himslef.
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and with a good script, but I'm surprised they aren't going with one of the shows veteran directors. Ya know, to keep it consistent and whatnot.
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How many properties have we seen greenlit simply to cash in on the name recognition? I'm surprised to hear they didn't just draft up a quick script and say go for it, just as long as we can slap "24 starring Kiefer Sutherand" on it, as that's kind of what I expected anyways. This seems to be a sign that they actually care about the property and are going to work on putting our something decent.
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Oh noes! It must have sucked then, because their standards are soooo high!
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This is in fact terrible news. My interpretation of this is that Ray actually wrote a good, character driven, steeped in realism script that possibly aimed at an R rating. Fox took a look at it and went: Wait, this isn't PG-13? It needs more younger characters, like Justin Long. We need a wise cracking smartass, Ryan Reynolds/Kevin Smith-type. Not enough sexy female characters. We need big, over-the-top, unbelievable, CGI-filled action set pieces that will be a hit with the video game playing teenage demographic. This will never do. Bring in someone like Mark Bomback or Skip Woods.
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I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin' . . .
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Jan. 1, 2011, 5:18 a.m. CST
20th Century Fox wouldn't know a good script if it fucked them in the ass
by Mr. Pricklepants
It probably didn't have enough fart jokes.
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Though that didn't stop the television show sometimes.
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Jan. 1, 2011, 6:52 a.m. CST
Thats actually a Dam good move from Fox and a Step in the Right Direction!
by SachMan
After season 8 I really feel they left the Show on an all time High! a part of me wants to see more Jack adventures and if they do a a series of movies I`d like em to hold up to the shows expectations! This is actually really good news that Fox are acually taking the time to put together a 24 Movie properly rather than hashing shit out for a quick cash in (X-MEN) I hope this marks a turn around for the studio to take more time into making their films. Tony Scott Is an awsome choice I wonder If Jack will go up against Densel lol
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It had to be said.
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The TV series was NEVER as hysterically over-stylized as Scott's post-90's work. If John McTiernan were available, I'd give it to him. Or maybe Philip Noyce or Martin Campbell. Get Stuart Baird to edit.<BR><BR>And I like that Fox isn't pushing forward with a supposedly half-assed script. I wish the second X-Files movie hadn't been released with such a bizarre cluster-fuck of a screenplay, which probably ended up killing a potential big screen franchise.
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Listen to this guy, Fox, he knows what he's talking about. The first hour of Die Hard With A Vengeance is basically 24.
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Jan. 1, 2011, 9:19 a.m. CST
The worst news here is that Scott is overseeing the project.
by SnootyBoots
As much as I enjoyed 24, I would not waste my time watching a movie directed by that hack.
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Did I just read that Fox declined a script because it wasn't good enough? I thought Rothman just threw whatever was available on the screen as soon as it landed on his desk. I guess they went in a different direction and decided not to nail down a release date during the actual pitch meeting.
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By doing this, it can somehow retain its 24-ness. But I don't really care. I never watched the last 2 seasons. Now a LOST movie.... that's money in the bank.
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Jacks wife gets raped. Jacks wife gets killed. Jack has to kill is best friend. Jack is tortured to death. Jack is captured by the Chinese and tortured for two years. Jacks girl-friend is killed. And on and on and on.... Jesus, it got old. Poor Jack.
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The consummate studio hack, Ray has been responsible for ruining more original ideas than any working writer in Hwood.
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I think it's like the Deadwood movies that HBO claimed were going to happen. Just something to tell the fans to tide them over and never have intentions do do em.
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Better off not happening in my opinion. The guy is incapable of making a good film. I'd rather it not happen than watch the inevitably impossible to watch 24 movie brought to you by Tony Scott. ugh
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They'll greenlight a 5th Big Momma's House, but poo poo on a Big Screen 24 movie with a loyal fanbase... and with TONY SCOTT! FUCKIN' RETARDS! It's about money...plain and simple.
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Please tell me you're being funny.
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and wait too long to do a movie
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When they had capable writers and producers who were running the show? - Hell, why don't they hand over the script reigns over to David Fury and Howard Gordon? - But I guess that makes too much sense.
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In fact, both Die Hard 3 and Die Hard 4's plotlines span roughly 24 hours. That proves it can be done in a 2-hour movie format, but a 24 movie would come off as a ripoff or combination of Die Hard and Jason Bourne.
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If Tony Scott was directing, it wouldn't surprise me if Denzel Washington played the main villain Jack has to face. That would be pretty cool.
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...it might have not become a running joke about having a plot point checkoff list. Mole? Check. Double cross? Check. Jack ambushed? Check. Mole to replace the mole? Check.
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State of Play was a snoozefest (I haven't seen his other work), and nowhere near the type of action flick that 24 was. He was an ODD choice to say the least. At this point, I'm fine with the best writers from the television show writing the film, provided it's a good script.
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Jan. 1, 2011, 1:41 p.m. CST
Tony Scott would be PERFECT to direct a 24 film
by Smoke Monster Loves Kate
The Taking of Pelham 123 and Unstoppable were great fast paced flicks. Just hope they find a decent script.
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"Make it shitter!" - Tom Rothman
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It went something like this: Howard Gordon: "We have this great script that Billy Ray banged out." Tom Rothman: "I never read it." Howard Gordon: "It's really good." Tom Rothman: "How much will it cost to shoot?" Howard Gordon: "Well, to really do it justice we'll need about $80 million. It'll be worth it though, with the name brand recognition of Jack Bauer alone we might have a chance to create a long-running franchise in the vein of Jason Bourne or James Bond." Tom Rothman: "Can you do it for $2 and a pack of cigarettes?" Howard Gordon: "I don't think..." Tom Rothman: "Then fuck it. What else you got for me?" Howard Gordon: "Um... Snakes and Ladders?" Tom Rothman: "Now we're talking."
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Jan. 1, 2011, 2:15 p.m. CST
As long as Stephen Hopkins gets first refusal rights.
by The_Genteel_Gentile
People forget he was the man responsible for establishing the swagger of jack. Plus he's a really good director and should be back doing big budget features.
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Jan. 1, 2011, 2:41 p.m. CST
It couldn't be no worse than the shit they pumped out for years.
by Shermdawg
And now with every decent supporting player fucked up or stupidly killed off, all we got to look forward to is a Aaron Pierce Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D cameo, and the possibility of Theo "brutha" Stoller.
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Jan. 1, 2011, 2:46 p.m. CST
"I hope they don't go the route of X-Files and wait too long to do a movie"
by Shermdawg
The reason why I Want to Believe failed had nothing to do with waiting too long. It had everything to do with the series ending badly and the movie's premise being dreadfully dull.
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Nothing is over!
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liar.
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The entire first episode would consist of me arriving at work, propping my feet up on my desk and procrastinating while I think about how burned out I am at my job.
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And I don't want my 24 news from Herc!
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Jan. 1, 2011, 4:28 p.m. CST
I still think it'd be smarted to do a movie when the show's memory
by _Venkman
Is still fresh in the fan base's mind. The new X-Files movie failed because it was just a longer episode of the show...I still liked it though. I'd give it a B, nothing spectacular but nothing that bad either. I can't really remember anymore but was the 2012 invasion date pushed back or is that still the plan?
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This news had been out for a few days! BREAK SOME NEWS HERE!
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That's your movie, right there.
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but I'd certainly like to see a well-crafted script put Jack Bauer back in action. They need to stop putting the jeopardy of the entire world at risk every time. Make the risks more personal to Jack, while keeping the potential damage to the public large, but believable. It's not supposed to be science-fiction. Drama and action. Keep the focus there.
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Jan. 1, 2011, 5:23 p.m. CST
Good. Billy Ray should work on something more interesting.
by THE_CHOPPAH
Shattered Glass and Breach are unheralded gems.
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Jan. 1, 2011, 5:29 p.m. CST
Jack should just wake up as Kiefer Sutherland after a drinking binge as
by _Venkman
a patient in Dr. House's care. *cue House theme*
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NEVER worked. Each episode always looked like it was filmed at 9AM in Los Angeles. And no one ever got sleepy or went to the bathroom. Why didn't they show the 24 hour clock counting down while Jack Bauer ate a Chicken sandwich? Stupid show. Like all TV.
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vic mackey>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>jack bauer.
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Didn't they retcon that in the N&P episode?
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I only ever watched the show here and there, but it wasn't bad. I can see the appeal and I really thought this was going to get the X-Files treatment. Looks like they're holding out for quality. Bold considering the show just ended and now would be the most ideal time for a movie.
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Jan. 1, 2011, 7:58 p.m. CST
Denzel Washington chasing after Jack Bauer would make a good movie...
by MrMysteryGuest
...because Kiefer vs. Denzel = ass in seat!
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Is it really that hard to come up with a script for 24? Must have been pretty bad to pass up a money making franchise. No matter how bad the script was. Tv movie was great and that was not 24 hours long. They are over thinking this.
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know how they operate it was probably too smart and they probably wanted a dumbed down version that a toddler could comprehend
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Probably the only season to realistically depict the genuine fatigue and/or hunger one experiences when staying up for 40+ hours.
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Remember those movies they promised to wrap things up? Yeah, this one won't happen either.
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Because if there's one thing the studio the released Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Alien Versus Predator: Requiem, The Happening, and X Men Origin: Wolverine cares about is a quality script.
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did the best (first) season of 24, but didn't he leave on bad terms?<br><br>Unless Fox decided to go balls out and do a version of 24 with all the things they couldn't show on TV, rated-R, AND the good characters the idiots killed off prematurely in the series, forget it.<br><br>No need for a mildly-enhanced PG-13 crapfest. To me, this is a 50/50 thing at best. Either do it well, or don't do it all. Won't miss if it never gets made.
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Jan. 2, 2011, 9:31 a.m. CST
"The "24" movie has to be 24 hours long or you can't call it "24"!!!"
by buggerbugger
Try telling that to the makers of '55 Days at Peking'.
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...even a series of '24' wasn't on for 24 hours, it was around 18 and a half hours long - unless you want the movie to be interrupted by adverts every 10 minutes for the proper '24' experience.
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Of simply detailing 24 hours in Bauer's life, without directly trying to imitate the structure of the show. Making the best movie possible should be their only concern--and trying to tell a big story with the real-time constraint is a recipe for disaster. Bauer is a fascinating character, and deserves a chance to blossom.
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shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit!!! I needs my Bauer fix and this is just awful news. Awful in the sense that once this gets nixed in such a public way, then the chances for a full blown film series is dead in the water. It might happen, but I'd be surprised. Maybe Howard Gordon will sign back on at the IMDB board for 24 and answer some more questions for everyone. (He did that during the last season. Pretty cool of him) I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some good news on this in 2011.
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You can still call it 24, as long as it takes place over a 24-hour time span (unless the powers that be think that the real time format is more important than the title, otherwise it will have to be called "2." They don't even have to call it 24 anymore. They could just call it something else entirely (The Dark Knight was not Batman Begins Part 2, etc.)
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And it still wasn't called "Two." Most people can associate the term "24" with the Jack Bauer character without thinking it's about 24 something or other (the same way "The Voyage Home" still had "Star Trek" in the title even though they spent most of the movie on Earth.
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They should have done teh movie right after that season. The last seconds, where Jack walks into the sunset, was just some pure cinematic feeling that could have swung into the movie: Jack - alone and presumed dead, President David Palmer - alive, but down the command chain, President Logan - filthy, tricky and lost in his quest for being The POTUS. That would have been the perfect setup for the movie. Michelle and Tony still alive! Too bad, they didn't recognize the potential back then! Even The X-Files made a decent first movie (we all forget that there ever was a second one, but still hope they did it to not lose the rights for doing the third in 2012!), then came back to television. It worked at least for some time, didn't it? Now every exec at Fox will rethink a script at least twice before giving some green light, because they somehow drove the franchise down with their last 4 seasons. Pathetic tries they did to make Jack a loner and a loose gun! ("Jack Bauer CAN'T have a happy life...") But here's hope, that Jack may return as the hero we worshipped years ago!! Drink to that, my friends! And let Kiefer have a round or two, too!
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As I'm currently half way through watching the 8th series box set I got for Christmas, I would've appreciated a spoiler warning before I read the line about where Jack Bauer ended up at the end of season 8. I quickly stopped reading there and haven't gone back to check whether I'm quoting right because I don't dare go back and check.
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It sucked.
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there werent enough Towelheads being smacked around then told to "Say Hello To Your Brother!" before Jack violently bitterly murders them, or like Superman shields a train from a booted exploding suicide bomber yelling "Muck-Alla-Ba-Lacba!" as he sets the thing off.<p> That moment in Season 6 & others made me & my mate do the equivalent of when Liz Lemmon and her fella gag over pizza at Jacks cowboy fireworks, twin-towers-alike spectacular going down on tv...but i bet its more the kind of thing Fox had in mind for the big screen pop culture send off
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"Die Hard: 24/7"? That was pitched at one time. Willis and Sutherland teaming up to...What? I never heard the details of the script, but that was actually being considered. I think Bauer would have shot McClain about 15 minutes in just to get him to shut up.
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If you didn't care to watch the show when it aired, you SURELY don't want to visit a talkback that's discussing matters from over half a year ago, do you? I mean... it WAS clear to you, you're walking on a minefield, G-Man...?! @ maxjohnson1971: That's been a short rumor, never been revisited again and fairly improbable. There won't be a McLane/Bauer Movie. There might be a next McLane movie, but let's hope, there will be a Bauer movie, also! DAMMIT!!! The Jack-Sack Must Be Seen In Gloriuos 3D!!!
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I could sit through a movie for 24 hours if I thought I'd gain something worth the time and effort. I'm sure some folks have nothing better to do than...wait for it...not just follow someone else for a day, but to watch a movie of someone else doing that. How fascinating.
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I didn't follow the show, but the 24 talkbacks were consistently of a high standard. No lunatics, no dick-measuring contests, just people who knew the show and cared about it. Great stuff.
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