Carlyle lands role opposite Jack Bauer in 24 film

May 18 2008 By Grace Macaskill

ROBERT CARLYLE is to star in the film version of hit telly series 24.

He has landed the part of central character Jack Bauer's friend and mentor, Benton, in the Africa-based thriller.

The Scots star will be reunited on screen with pal Kiefer Sutherland.

The pair became friends on the set of 2001 movie To End All Wars, the story of four prisoners of war.

In the 24 film, Carlyle's character is a former agent who quit and became a charity worker in Africa.

The two-hour movie will bridge the gap between seasons six and seven of the nailbiting show.

An insider said: "Benton is not expected to appear in the seventh season but nothing is set in stone."

The film, to be shown on TV, will air in America on November 23.

A friend of Carlyle said: "Robert has done this kind of role before, so he will be fantastic as Benton. American audiences love Robert's gritty approach to that sort of character, as do producers.

"It would be great if 24 could find a continuing place for Benton in the seventh series."

Carlyle's agent was not available for comment.

The Glasgow-born actor shot to fame as Begbie in Trainspotting in 1996, which led to his internationally acclaimed performance in The Full Monty a year later.

He won a BAFTA for his role as an unemployed steel worker turned stripper in the movie.

Carlyle's role as the Highland bobby in Hamish Macbeth was another notable success.

But he is most famous for his darker roles including a Scouse psycho in Cracker, alongside pal Robbie Coltrane.

Carlyle also played a cannibalistic pioneer in Ravenous in 1999 and the shaven-headed baddie Renard in Bond film The World Is Not Enough.

In 2003, he took on his toughest role yet as Adolf Hitler in a TV mini series.

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