The rumor mill about the possible 24 movie has expanded to include the FOX network-- yes, the network that cancelled the show and started this whole process. On a conference call today to discuss the network's fall primetime programming, a reporter threw out a curveball question to Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice, asking him about Kiefer Sutherland's constant promises that a 24 movie really will happen. Given that he doesn't work for 20th Century Fox, the movie studio that would actually make the film, Rice couldn't say anything definitive, but he definitely didn't douse the flames either. Here's what he had to say:

"I don't work at the movie company, but my intelligence around the lot is everybody would very much like to make a 24 movie ,and I believe that they're working on the script. When they say 'We don't have a script,' they don't have a completed script that they're about to go shoot. There's a great desire to see Jack Bauer on the big screen."

So yes, nothing that isn't the same kind of vague promise we've been hearing for years now, but given Rice's key position in programming the entire Fox network, you'd better believe he at least has an ear to the ground to find out if one of the network's most successful shows ever will have new life at the movies. Don't go marking your calendar for when you'll be able to see the movie-- having no script isn't exactly the strongest sign-- but don't give up on it either.