The 24 Movie Needs To Fill This Important Character Role

The 24 Movie Needs To Fill This Important Character Role

Key Takeaways

  • The 24 movie is officially in the works, but Kiefer Sutherland hasn’t signed on yet.
  • Every season of 24 has featured an American President as a character integral to the story’s plot.
  • The President as a character in the 24 movie is crucial for story continuation and possible reintegration of Jack Bauer.

As a devoted fan of the gripping drama series, 24, I must say that the portrayal of the American Presidents throughout the show has been nothing short of captivating. From Allison Taylor’s harrowing experiences to James Heller’s heart-wrenching struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, these characters have added depth and complexity to the overall narrative.


For quite some time, enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating a new “24 Film”. Now, it’s officially under development at 20th Century Studios and Disney. As of now, Kiefer Sutherland hasn’t committed to reprising the legendary character of Jack Bauer, but it seems inevitable that he will soon. If Jack Bauer does return, he’ll undoubtedly require a solid supporting cast. Crucially, one key role that needs to be filled for the film adaptation to be regarded as a classic “24” story is the President of the United States.

24 initially premiered on Fox in the year 2001, and its first season revolved around Jack Bauer’s efforts to prevent an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. Since its inception, each season of 24 has incorporated the American President as a key character, making it challenging to envision a 24 Movie without the involvement of the world’s highest-ranking politician.

The American Presidents In Each Season Of 24

David Palmer in Seasons 1-3

The 24 Movie Needs To Fill This Important Character Role
  • Portrayed by Dennis Haysbert

The events described here happen between the stroke of midnight and the same time on the day of the California Presidential Primary. These occurrences transpire in real-time.

Initially, Senator David Palmer debuted in the first season of 24 during the California Presidential Primary, a day marked by a danger posed to his life. Jack Bauer, a CTU operative, was assigned the task of preventing this assassination attempt. That very same day, Palmer claimed the presidency and served as acting POTUS in seasons 2 and 3, completing one term during which he thwarted a nuclear bomb attack and a biological virus. In season 4, Palmer returned as an advisor to President Charles Logan. However, his life was tragically cut short at the beginning of Day 5 while he was writing his memoirs.

  • James Prescott (Alan Dale) was the Vice President in season 2, and schemed with Palmer’s Chief Of Staff, Mike Novick, to invoke the 25th Amendment as he thought Palmer was unfit to lead the country. The cabinet voted Prescott in as acting President, but after admitting he was wrong, he offered his resignation. However, after an attempt on Palmer’s life, Prescott did take over.

Charles Logan in Seasons 4 and 5

The 24 Movie Needs To Fill This Important Character Role
  • Portrayed by Gregory Itzin

Charles Logan served as a corrupt U.S. president, implicated in David Palmer’s assassination and the illicit sale of nerve gas to increase America’s oil supply. He attempted to conceal his wrongdoings, but Jack Bauer exposed him, leading to his dismissal from office. Subsequently, he was arrested, placed under house arrest, and later resurfaced in Day 6, claiming to seek redemption. However, his ex-wife Martha (portrayed by Jean Smart) fatally stabbed him, leaving his future uncertain until his reappearance in Day 8 to stir up trouble for President Allison Taylor. Known for a confrontation with Jack Bauer, he ended the series in a dramatic fashion, shooting himself in the head, only to survive in a brain-dead state for the remainder of his life.

  • John Keeler (Geoff Pierson) fought David Palmer for the presidency during Day 3, and ended up winning after Palmer dropped out. He served as president on Day 4, but after terrorists shot at Air Force One, causing it to crash, Keeler was left incapacitated and Vice President, Charles Logan, took over.
  • Hal Gardner (Ray Wise) was sworn in as President after Logan’s arrest on Day 5.

Wayne Palmer in Season 6

The 24 Movie Needs To Fill This Important Character Role
  • Portrayed by D. B. Woodside

Initially introduced in Season 3, Wayne Palmer offered guidance to his brother David Palmer during his term as president. In Seasons 5, he stood by his brother when he was assassinated and assumed the presidency himself in Season 6. He played a crucial role in Jack Bauer’s release from Chinese custody. However, he faced an attempt on his life and sustained brain damage. Despite attempting to return to work, he suffered a hemorrhage shortly afterward. Interestingly, a hidden detail in 24: Redemption suggested that Palmer had eventually passed away.

  • Noah Daniels (Powers Boothe) took over from Wayne Palmer as President in Day 6

Allison Taylor in 24: Redemption, Seasons 7 and 8

The 24 Movie Needs To Fill This Important Character Role
  • Portrayed by Cherry Jones

In the gripping world of “24”, I, Allison Taylor, stepped into the presidency during the thrilling Redemption season. As the clock ticked in Day 7, I found myself grappling with a chilling terrorist attack on the White House, orchestrated by Sangalan forces. My personal life took a heavy toll that day as my husband sustained grievous injuries, and my daughter was unjustly imprisoned. To make matters worse, I was still reeling from the loss of my son, whose death occurred before the events of Day 7.

In Day 8, Taylor sought assistance from ex-President Logan during her negotiations with the Russians. This ultimately proved disastrous, an error she later acknowledged. However, in the final moments of the series, she did something commendable: she advised Jack Bauer to leave the country.

James Heller in 24: Live Another Day

The 24 Movie Needs To Fill This Important Character Role
  • Portrayed by William Devane

Initially appearing in Day 4, Secretary James Heller found himself kidnapped alongside Jack Bauer’s love interest, Audrey Raines (Kim Raver), and his own daughter. Both were rescued by Bauer, and William Devane reprised his role as Heller across Days 5 and 6 before becoming a regular character in 24: Live Another Day. In the following seasons, Heller ascended to the presidency, but his term was marred by early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Tragically, Audrey lost her life at the hands of recurring antagonist Cheng Ji (Tzi Ma).

The 24 Movie Needs To Feature A Three Dimensional Character As The American President

24
StarringKiefer Sutherland, Mary Lynn Rasjkub, Carlos Bernard, Kim Raver, Dennis Haysbert, Gregory Itzin, Elisha Cuthbert, Cherry Jones, Sarah Clarke and William Devane
Number of Episodes207
Created ByJoel Surnow and Robert Cochran

24, with its captivating narrative centered around U.S. Presidents, wouldn’t feel complete without the political intrigue. Though fans primarily anticipate Jack Bauer taking down terrorists, the President plays a significant role in the 24 chronicles. The journey began when Jack was tasked with safeguarding a presidential candidate in season 1 of 24, thus maintaining his connection to presidents is essential for the 24 Movie. Jack has always been a non-political figure, merely protecting and serving whoever held office. To draw Jack Bauer back into action in the revival of 24, the President could play a crucial role. Therefore, developing this character thoughtfully is crucial.

At the finale of “24: Live Another Day,” Jack Bauer found himself captured by the Russians, following his retaliation against them for their role in Renee Walker’s demise during Day 8. In the subsequent limited series, Bauer was a fugitive, evading capture by law enforcement. Therefore, if he is to reappear in the 24 movie as the world’s savior, it seems likely that he would need a pardon from the current U.S. President.

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2024-09-18 02:04