SDCC 08: 24's Jack Bauer Saves San Diego

Kiefer Sutherland on Season 7, Tony's return and more.

byEric Goldman

July 26, 2008 - There had been panels for24 at Comic-Con in the past, but they were always lacking what most would argue is the most integral component – Jack Bauer himself, Kiefer Sutherland. Saturday, that was remedied, as Sutherland came to Comic-Con, cheered on by a very appreciative crowd.

Clips were shown from the upcoming TV-Movie24: Exile, shot on location in South Africa. Sutherland noted that24 is a big hit in Africa, and that they had extremely enthusiastic extras, who "really dived for it" when called for in the midst of action scenes.

Two new writers have joined the staff in Season 7, Carlos Cota (whose brother Manny is already on the show) andStar Trek alum Brannon Braga. Braga cracked that, "I've become an alcoholic since working on the show," noting24 is, "The hardest show I've ever worked on, with the greatest writing staff."

Cota said it was "very cool" to work with his brother, and that when he joined the staff, Braga told him, "Nothing can prepare you."

Surprisingly, the moderator didn't immediately get to the biggest question the panel raised by the mere make up of who was on it, which was – how the hell can Tony Almeida be alive? Yes, Carlos Bernard is back as Tony in Season 7, which is obviously not being kept a secret, since Bernard is being used to promote the series.

- Photo: Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Fox

Carlos Bernard and Kiefer Sutherland sign autographs for fans during Comic Con 2008

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