Production on the upcoming ninth season of 24 has been suspended after series star Kiefer Sutherland suffered a ruptured cyst near his kidney last week, The Los Angeles Times reports.
Shooting on the hit drama began earlier this month, but filming had to be halted last week after Sutherland took time off to undergo minor surgery.
“While Kiefer Sutherland is frustrated to miss even one day of work, he and Fox decided together that it would be best to complete this minor elective procedure now as a precaution as opposed to six weeks from now when production wraps,” a rep for the star told the paper Sunday. “He looks forward to returning to work next week.”
In a statement issued shortly after, 20th Century Fox — which produces 24 — ensured The Times that the delay in shooting wouldn’t interfere with the show’s schedule.
“We are temporarily suspending production of ‘24’ while our friend and colleague Kiefer Sutherland undergoes a medical procedure. We hope to resume production shortly and do not anticipate any disruption in the broadcast of this season’s episodes.”