The hit television show 24 may be getting a movie deal.

Twentieth Century Fox is tapping both of its film and television studios to figure out how to make the film happen.  The film studio has hired Billy Ray to write the script.  Ray has written “State of Play” and “Flightplan” while also writing and directing “Breach” and “Shattered Glass.”  His idea of taking Jack Bauer to Europe was a hit among executives.

Kiefer Sutherland, who plays Jack Bauer, is said to have reviewed the script and is totally on board.  In fact, the movie will be produced by the show’s key producers, including Sutherland.  Imagine Entertainment (another of 24‘s production companies) will also be on board for the film.

While fans of 24 may get excited by this news, insiders caution that many factors are involved as to whether or not this feature gets off the ground- including the fate of the television show.  Fox has not yet renewed  the show for the next season and betting is that this season may be the final one.  The idea of  a 24 feature is not a new one, however the cast and crew felt the task of doing both would be a bit too much.  If the show does end, a feature film would be more likely to appear.

After the huge success of The Simpsons’ feature film, the idea of putting Jack Bauer’s life on the big screen is an alluring one.  We can only hope Fox jumps into this with both feet.