Looks like Jack Bauer isn't really invincible: Entertainment Weekly reports that production for 24 has shut down shortly to enable star Kiefer Sutherland to undergo surgery for a ruptured cyst near his kidney.

The cyst ruptured earlier in the week, according to reports, but shooting for the series continued without him until Friday, as he wasn't required. Production was later suspended as Sutherland was the center of some scenes; it is expected to resume later this week.

"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," his publicist said. "He looks forward to returning to work next week."

"We hope to resume production shortly and do not anticipate any disruption in the broadcast of this season's episodes" 20th Century Fox said in a separate statement.


(Image courtesy of Fox)