The real-time Fox drama “24” is getting a spinoff and actress Anna Diop has a leading role. She will play opposite Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton”) in the series “24: Legacy,” which reboots the franchise with brand new characters.
“I love the character and love that she is a strong woman,” shares the Senegalese actress whose television credits include roles on the series “The Messengers,” “Quantico” and a recurring one on OWN’s “Greenleaf.”
Written by “24” veterans Manny Coto and Evan Katz and directed by Stephen Hopkins, “24: Legacy” chronicles Army Ranger Eric Carter’s (Hawkins) return to the U.S. and the events that occur after he kills the terrorist leader Sheik Ibrahim Bin-Khalid in Yemen.
Diop plays his tough wife Nicole, a sharp shooter who can be credited for saving his life in the first episode.
“It’s a phenomenal role and the writers are so great about creating organic relationships,” Diop continues. “We have such a diverse cast and I am just so proud of Fox for creating this series where we have a young educated black couple which reflects our times.”
One the most influential shows on television, the original series “24,” which starred Kiefer Sutherland, ran for eight seasons and won an Emmy for best drama series. Despite a new cast, this spinoff follows the same formula and the events still take place in real time, only this time there’s a race against the clock to stop a terrorist attack on United States soil.
“It speaks to the times we are in right now,” Diop says, “and it’s a high octane drama you can’t just keep your eyes off.”
The series also stars Miranda Otto (“Homeland’), Jimmy Smits (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”) and British actor Ashley Thomas.
Check out the trailer for the new series which premieres February 5.
