Great news, “Prison Break” fans, the story isn’t over just yet! Back in December, Deadline confirmed that Hulu had picked up a reboot of the beloved series. It was being reimagined with a pilot led by “The Outlaws” co-creator Elgin James.
While the new series is set in the same universe as the original, it unfortunately won’t bring back iconic characters. Yes, we won’t see Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) or Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) anytime soon. But, that doesn’t mean it won’t be as exciting as the OG series!
The new show is promising a fresh storyline with all-new characters navigating a prison drama filled with mystery and intrigue.
According to the Herald-Star, the pilot was recently filmed at the former West Virginia State Penitentiary in Moundsville. Built in 1866 and decommissioned in 1995, the prison is now a popular tourist attraction. It’s mostly known for haunted house tours and paranormal investigations, which makes the perfect eerie backdrop for the series’ revival.
Elgin James will produce the series under his Sierra Drive production banner, joined by original “Prison Break” executive producers Dawn Olmstead, Marty Adelstein, Paul Scheuring, and Neal Moritz.
New Faces, Same Dark Drama
While plot details are still under wraps, some casting announcements are already creating buzz. According to Variety, the reboot will feature Lukas Gage (“The White Lotus”), Margo Martindale, Ray McKinnon, Lili Taylor, Donal Logue, Emily Browning, Drake Rodger, Georgie Flores, Clayton Cardenas, Priscilla Delgado, Myles Bullock, and JR Bourne.
McKinnon is set to play Joe Dahl, a private detective investigating a decades-old murder. Martindale will portray the warden of one of the deadliest prisons in the United States. Logue takes on the role of Holt Keane, a grieving father, while Taylor will play Mullen, a mother determined to uncover the truth.
Browning has been cast as Cassidy Collins, a former soldier working as a correctional officer. Gage will portray a politician in the middle of a congressional campaign, and Rodger, who celebrated the role on Instagram, will play Tommy, an inmate who has already served more than 10 years behind bars.
“Beyond grateful to be a part of the universe,” Rodger shared with fans.
Where’s Michael Scofield?
Despite the connection to the original series, fans shouldn’t expect to see Scofield return. In 2020, Wentworth Miller revealed via Instagram that he was stepping away from the franchise, saying, “I just don’t want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told). So. No more Michael.”
He added, “If you were a fan of the show, hoping for additional seasons… I understand this is disappointing. I’m sorry.” He concluded, “If you’re hot and bothered because you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one… That’s your work.”
The original “Prison Break” aired for five seasons on Fox and spawned a TV movie, “The Final Break,” a mobile spinoff called “Proof of Innocence,” several video games, and even a novel.
All five seasons of the original show are currently streaming on Netflix. Perfect for anyone looking to break back into the drama before the reboot premieres.
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‘Prison Break’ Reboot Unveils Star-Studded Cast and Chilling New Filming Location