24 Prequel Featuring Young Jack Bauer in the Works at Fox

The 24 franchise will never die.

Fox is developing a 24 prequel series following a young Jack Bauer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Original creators Joel Surnow and Bob Cochran are working on an idea “that tells the origin story of how Jack Bauer became Jack Bauer.”

The report goes on to say that while the series is still in the early stages of development, it could be ready to air as soon as midseason.

Kiefer Sutherland starred as Jack on the Fox classic from 2001-10 and appeared in 2014's one-off revival as the character.

Fox has maintained that the franchise is not dead ever since 24: Legacy, starring Corey Hawkins was axed after just one season last year.

The franchise is a viable brand for Fox that's recognized worldwide, so it makes sense that the network would be looking to bring it back in some capacity.

24: Legacy struggled in the ratings. It averaged 5.1 million viewers and a 1.4 rating for its first and only season. While the numbers may seem respectable, they are inflated by a Superbowl inflated premiere.

The series finale secured just 3.4 million viewers and a 0.8 rating.

It was revealed in November 2017 that a new incarnation of the series with a female lead was in the works and that it would move away from the world of terrorism.

The status of that series is unclear, but it makes sense that Fox would want to launch a series about a young Jack Bauer.

It would certainly make for an excellent marketing opportunity to get fans who ditched the franchise to return to see just how a prequel would pan out.

What are your thoughts on this news?

Do you think it's time to let the franchise die out, or would you be on board for more episodes?

Hit the comments below.