The executive producer of the critically acclaimed TV series “24” has confirmed that a spinoff of the Fox show that will feature a new antihero is in the works.

TV Line caught up with Howard Gordon at the Critics Choice Television Awards on Sunday and he affirmed that a new lead will breathe new life to the franchise.

Earlier this month, Gordon also had a chat with Yahoo TV, and he said that the script that writers Evan Katz and Manny Coto are currently making does not include the character of Jack Bauer. However, it is still possible that Bauer will return but only as a guest star.

“The possibility is always there for Jack… There’s an open door, basically, but I think both Kiefer and we, I think correctly, felt that this character needed a little bit of a break. We really believe that real-time concept is just a really cool narrative engine, so they’re telling a story, Evan and Manny, that I think is in the tradition of 24,” Gordon told Yahoo TV.

Last year, Fox revived the original franchise that ended in 2010 with “24: Live Another Day.”

It was not much of a hit compared to the original series. However, Collider pointed out that it was a solid ratings hit. When Fox revealed that another “24” plot is being developed, fans were not particularly surprised about it.

The new male actor has not been identified as of yet, but Collider mentioned that he could be partnered with an older female actress, who, in turn, will portray the role of a more seasoned agent. Kate Morgan, played by Yvonne Strahovski, may also make an appearance but not as the female protagonist, added the report.

The spinoff show is most likely going to be launched as a mini-series and will later be developed into a long-term show, depending on which direction the ratings go, TV Line said.

Gary Newman, the CEO and chairman of Fox, addressed questions about the spinoff during the company’s Upfront conference call recently, which Yahoo TV attended, but he said that the network cannot provide further details about it yet. “It is still fairly early in the development process,” Newman said. “So, there just would be nothing that we could tell you at this time – other than we are working on something.”

Fans are curious on whether or not the “24” franchise will become successful once more when its focus is no longer on Bauer. The character has certainly raised the bar during his tenure. “24: Live Another Day” may have been entertaining, but it was apparent that the audience’s tastes have changed so much since the original “24” series last aired on television.