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We reported back in early February that Kiefer Sutherland had hired the screenwriter for STATE OF PLAY (Billy Ray) to pen the 24 movie.  At the time of that report, Fox had not yet ordered another season of 24, and there was some question as to whether or not they would.  Well now it appears the series has officially been cancelled by the network.  Series director and producer Jon Cassar posted Friday on his Twitter account:

“News from the 24 set,the crew has been told that 24 has come to an end. There will b no season 9. Its been a great run, thanx all 4 watching”

Now The Hollywood Reporter has spoken with executive producer Howard Gordon to discuss the fate of 24.  Some interesting things were covered, including the fact that there was never really any discussion of a 9th season with Fox.

THR: What’s next for “24”?

Gordon: There are other possible iterations of Jack Bauer and his world — whether a movie or some other sort of scenario. We’re developing the movie, Billy Ray (”State of Play,” “Shattered Glass”) is writing it. It depends on how well it comes out and Fox’s appetite. Most importantly it’s about ending the show right and doing it with the same level of intensity and commitment that we started with.

THR: When’s the soonest that fans could realistically expect a feature film?

Gordon: Obviously the script’s still being written. It could be as early as next year depending on how things come together.

THR: Since the setting shifts to Europe for the movie, will CTU still play a role?

Gordon: Yes and no. Jack is really the center of it, catching up with him emotionally and locationally where he is. The opportunity is not to use the real-time aspect and also to do it on a scale the TV show never allowed.

Here’s the surprise bit about the ninth season not being pitched:

THR: You never pitched an idea for next season?

Gordon: We couldn’t come up with something that really satisfied us. We’ve done everything we feel we can do with that character in this format.

THR: How did ending the show come about?

Gordon: It helped that this was the end of a lot of peoples’ contracts. There was a deal finiteness in place. Also, every year is a high-wire act. We all look at each other and ask, ‘Can we really do this again?’ and it’s not with complete conviction that we say, ‘Yes.’ As an act of faith and effort, we get through it. This year Kiefer said it felt like the senior year of high school.

And one what we can expect from the rest of this season:

THR: Can you tease to the rest of the season?

Gordon: We’ve taken a risk in the last eight episodes. It was challenging to the writers to the actors. We’re taking a risk, the show has to do that. Without spoiling what’s to come, it’s pretty dark and complex and a place that was uncomfortable for us to write and for some of the actors to act. We really swung for the fences. Because the show is as old as it is, this season hasn’t really been given its due. But our audience is hanging in there with us and I think it’s been a very successful season.

THR: How has this decision creatively impacted the ending?

Gordon: There have been a couple other season-enders that would have been spectacular series enders. Season four, season five and last year. I was more aware this time of ending something that really felt surprising, but not cheap; emotionally consistent. Some will throw their shoes at the screen, inevitably some will be angry, some will say they hated it the last three years. You can’t please everybody you can only do the best you can do. I’m hoping people lean forward. I’m hoping the first feeling people have is, “Damn I miss it, I want more.”

You can read more quotes from Gordon at the actual article at THR.  The 2-hour series finale airs Monday, May 24 (the 24th!) on Fox. If you’re a fan, don’t miss it. Are you excited at the possibility of a 24 movie? Mad about the series ending? Tell us in the comments below.

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