Jimmy Smits Starring In 24: Legacy

Fox is continuing to hand-pick a multitude of talented thesps to topline its 24: Legacy pilot, with word that Jimmy Smits will take on a key role in the series. The network’s ballsy attempt to carry on the 24 brand without Kiefer Sutherland’s Jack Bauer, Legacy will focus on new characters and tell a new story involving the CTU. Corey Hawkins is already set for the lead role, with actress Miranda Otto taking another key part.

The series focuses on military hero Eric Carter (Hawkins), who returns to the U.S. but finds that his past in the armed forces coming back to haunt him. Hoping to save his life and prevent a massive terrorist attack on U.S. soil, Carter turns to the CTU – and its whip-smart former head, Rebecca Ingram (Otto) – for help.

Smits will play John Donovan, Ingram’s husband as well as an ambitious U.S. senator. That’s far from specific, but such a part would seem to fit snugly within Smits’ expansive wheelhouse. 24 veterans Manny Coto and Evan Kat are scripting the pilot, which Stephen Hopkins will helm as he did the original’s premiere. Teddy Sears and Anna Diop co-star.