Hulu Reboots Prison Break with New Cast Led by Emily Browning

Hulu has greenlit a reboot of “Prison Break,” Variety has learned.

Hulu has officially ordered a reboot of the popular TV series "Prison Break," bringing the franchise back with a new storyline and cast. The new project will be set in the same universe as the original show but will focus on different characters, with Emily Browning starring as Cassidy, an ex-soldier turned corrections officer tackling one of the deadliest prisons in America. Veteran producer Dawn Olmstead and series creator Paul Scheuring return as executive producers, and Elgin James leads the reboot as writer, showrunner, and director for the pilot.

Key points:

• Hulu greenlit a "Prison Break" reboot with a new cast led by Emily Browning.
• The story follows a former soldier working as a corrections officer in a dangerous prison to protect someone she loves.
• Elgin James is showrunner, writer, and pilot director; original series creators and producers return.
• The reboot is separate from the original storyline involving Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows.
• The reboot comes eight years after the original series' final episodes aired.

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History and legacy of “Prison Break”

“Prison Break” originally premiered in 2005 and ran on Fox for four seasons, followed by a TV movie titled “The Final Break” in 2009. The series was renowned for its intense plot centered on Michael Scofield (played by Wentworth Miller), who deliberately got himself imprisoned to free his brother Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) from death row. In 2017, the show was revived for a fifth season, much to fans’ delight.

Over the years, the franchise expanded into spin-offs such as the mobile-only “Prison Break: Proof of Innocence,” as well as inspired a video game, webisodes, a magazine, and even a novel. “Prison Break” also enjoyed considerable streaming success, becoming the most-streamed series in the U.S. in August 2024, according to Nielsen.

The reboot: New story, new characters

The reboot is notable for its fresh storyline and cast, though it remains within the same world as the original series. The central character is Cassidy, portrayed by Emily Browning, an ex-soldier who takes a job as a corrections officer inside one of America's deadliest prisons. The plot focuses on her determination to prove how far she'll go for someone she loves.

Other cast members include Drake Rodger as Tommy, Lukas Gage as Jackson, Clayton Cardenas as Michael “Ghost,” JR Bourne as Junior, Georgie Flores as Andrea, and Myles Bullock as Darius “Red.” The pilot cast also featured Priscilla Delgado, Ray McKinnon, Margo Martindale, Donal Logue, Lili Taylor, and Sylvester Powell.

Elgin James, known for his work on FX’s “Mayans M.C.” and his award-winning film “Little Birds,” heads the reboot, taking on roles as showrunner, executive producer, writer, and pilot director. Veteran TV producer Dawn Olmstead, a returning executive producer from the original series, also works closely on the project along with Marty Adelstein, Neal Moritz, and the original creator Paul Scheuring. The reboot is produced by 20th Television.

Original stars’ stance on returning

Despite speculation and fan hopes for a sixth season with the original main characters, both Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell have confirmed they will not reprise their roles. Miller publicly announced in 2020 that he was officially “out of the universe” and expressed his wish not to return to playing straight characters, noting the storylines for Michael Scofield had been exhaustively told.

Purcell, however, hinted at the possibility of a sixth season in a separate social media post, fueling some confusion, but with Miller’s withdrawal, the reboot is understood to be an entirely new chapter set apart from the Michael and Lincoln saga.

Industry reactions and fan anticipation

Following the announcement, cast members Drake Rodger and Lukas Gage shared their excitement on social media, expressing gratitude for joining the “Prison Break” universe and enthusiasm about the project moving forward.

Fans of the original series have waited eight years since the last episodes aired in 2017, enduring a long hiatus filled with speculation about the franchise’s future. The reboot represents a fresh start while maintaining ties to the beloved original.

Production details and outlook

The pilot for the reboot was filmed in West Virginia in June 2024. While no official premiere date has been announced, the involvement of key original team members, such as Paul Scheuring and Dawn Olmstead, lends confidence in preserving the high production values and narrative intensity that made “Prison Break” a success.

Elgin James’s background with critically acclaimed projects and his multifaceted creative role suggest the show aims to deliver a gripping continuation of the universe with new dimensions and characters.

Conclusion

Hulu’s reboot of “Prison Break” marks the return of one of the most popular crime drama franchises of the past two decades. With a new cast, fresh storytelling, and experienced producers at the helm, the series is poised to explore new themes and characters within the familiar high-stakes prison setting. As fans eagerly await the premiere, the reboot promises to expand the “Prison Break” legacy to a new generation of viewers while respecting the original’s place in television history.

Questions and answers

Q: Prison Break reboot cast

A: The Prison Break reboot features several returning cast members from the original series, including Wentworth Miller as Michael Scofield and Dominic Purcell as Lincoln Burrows. New additions to the cast include actors like Inbar Lavi and Rick Yune, who play significant roles in the updated storyline. The blend of original and new cast members aims to bridge the old narrative with fresh elements for viewers.

Q: Hulu Prison Break reboot release date

A: The Prison Break reboot was released on Hulu on April 4, 2017. This revival miniseries was a limited event designed to continue the story from the original show after a multi-year hiatus. It was made available exclusively on Hulu, marking the franchise's transition to a streaming platform for the new content.

Q: Prison Break original creators involved in reboot

A: Paul Scheuring, the original creator of Prison Break, returned as an executive producer for the reboot miniseries. However, the day-to-day showrunning duties were handed over to Elgin James. Scheuring's involvement helped maintain continuity with the original vision, while new creative leadership brought fresh perspectives to the series revival.

Q: Elgin James showrunner Prison Break

A: Elgin James served as the showrunner for the Prison Break reboot miniseries on Hulu. His role involved overseeing the creative direction and production of the revival, bringing a new tone and storytelling approach to the series. James' background in both filmmaking and writing contributed to the updated style and modernized narrative of the reboot.

Q: Differences between original Prison Break and reboot

A: The original Prison Break series focused on Michael Scofield's elaborate plan to break his brother out of prison, spanning multiple seasons with an emphasis on suspense and intricate plot twists. The reboot serves as a limited event that takes place years later, with a more condensed storyline that explores the characters' lives post-original series. Additionally, the reboot introduces new characters and shifts some thematic elements, with a slightly darker and more modern tone under new creative leadership.

Key Entities

Hulu: Hulu is an American streaming service offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content. It is known for producing and distributing series like 'Banshee,' where it served as the primary platform.

Emily Browning: Emily Browning is an Australian actress recognized for her roles in film and television, including the lead role in the series 'Banshee.' She has gained acclaim for her versatile performances across genres.

Elgin James: Elgin James is a writer and director known for his work on the television series 'Banshee.' His creative input has been integral to the show's development and thematic direction.

Paul Scheuring: Paul Scheuring is a screenwriter and producer credited with creating the TV series 'Banshee.' His work has contributed to the show's unique storytelling style and complex characters.

Dawn Olmstead: Dawn Olmstead is a television producer involved in producing the series 'Banshee.' She has an extensive background in producing high-profile television projects.

External articles

• 'Prison Break' Reboot Coming to Hulu with All-New Cast
• Prison Break reboot: New characters and a thrilling plot ...
• Prison Break Is Coming Back. Again.

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Published: 22 hours ago