Kiefer Sutherland talks '24' movie -- VIDEO

With an already vague release date of "2012" (what if it's opening right now?), fans of 24 are forced to anxiously guess as to when Jack Bauer will actually hit the big screen — and star Kiefer Sutherland isn't making things any easier. During his visit to The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Thursday, Sutherland — who had previously stated that the 24 movie could begin shooting as early as April — revealed that due to timing issues they may have to reset the clock on a start date for the (presumably cougar-free) production.

While Sutherland assured that he, along with 24 producer and writer Howard Gordon and Billy Ray (The Hunger Games, State of Play), "finally got the script to a really amazing place" everyone's demanding schedule (including his work on Touch) may put the brakes on the movie. "[We're] trying to find the right slot to do the film," Sutherland said, adding, that if need be, they'll hold of doing it until next year.

"I think we have a responsibility to protect [24]," Sutherland told Leno, "Our job is to make sure that we make the best possible movie and if we have to wait a little longer, we will." (Jack Bauer waiting patiently? There's a first time for everything.) Watch Sutherland discuss the in-the-works(?) 24 movie here:

Are you disappointed to hear that there's nothing concrete set for the 24 movie, PopWatchers? Or do you simply care that it just gets made?

'24' movie: Kiefer Sutherland announces release date

'24' star Kiefer Sutherland reflects on drama's heart-stopping run on Fox