‘Straight Outta Compton”s Corey Hawkins Cast as Lead in FOX’s ’24’ Reboot

LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 10: Actor Corey Hawkins arrives at the premiere of Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ “Straight Outta Compton” at the Microsoft Theatre on August 10, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Fox has found its new 24 star.

The reboot of the iconic action series has cast Straight Outta Compton breakout Corey Hawkins in the leading role.

Taking over for previous series star Kiefer Sutherland, Hawkins will play an entirely new character named Eric Carter in 24: Legacy. “Strong and smart, Eric came from a very rough background and turned his life around in the Army Rangers,” reads the official description. “Now back home in Virginia with his wife Nicole, he’s pulled back into action as his past comes looking for him.” Carter will join forces with the Counter Terrorist Unit to try and prevent an attack on American soil.

None of the original 24 cast is expected to appear in the new version, which Fox ordered to pilot earlier this month. Unlike the first version of the series, where Jack Bauer (Sutherland) was basically a lone wolf protagonist for nine seasons, the new 24 also features a female co-lead role (not yet cast). If given a series order, 24: Legacy will also play looser with the original show’s distinctive “real time” format, with a 12-episode order instead of 24 episodes.

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SOURCE: Entertainment Weekly – James Hibberd