Deadline is reporting that production on the long-awaited feature film version of the hit Fox drama 24 is gearing up for a Spring 2012 filming date, as the director’s shortlist continues to shrink.

According to Deadline:

Imagine [Entertainment] and [Fox] have about five directors in mind — no, Tony Scott is not attached anymore — and it will all begin happening very quickly in the early part of next year. The goal is to get the film into production to match [Kiefer] Sutherland’s availability, which begins in April.

Considering the amount of time since 24 finished its run on Fox, the turnaround on a feature film has been pretty quick, as Fox wants to get production started as soon as possible. The report states that the latest draft of the screenplay, from Unstoppable screenwriter Mark Bomback, should be turned in by year’s ened.

Are you excited to see Jack Bauer back in action in the feature film?