Hulu is taking significant steps to bring a new chapter of the iconic thriller series “Prison Break” to life. The streaming platform has officially ordered a pilot episode for a follow-up series, and the renowned co-creator of “Mayans M.C.,” Elgin James, has been tapped to write the script. This exciting development is being produced by 20th Television, a division of Disney Television Studios, which also produced the original run of the show.
The upcoming “Prison Break” series is being described as a continuation of the beloved franchise, promising fresh storylines and characters. The narrative is anticipated to focus on a new ensemble of characters as they embark on a daring and intricate jailbreak, inviting viewers back into the high-stakes world of escape and intrigue. Elgin James will not only write but will also serve as an executive producer, collaborating closely with Paul Scheuring, the original creator of “Prison Break.” The executive producing team further includes notable figures such as Dawn Olmstead, Marty Adelstein, and Neal Moritz, who were also instrumental in the original series’ success.
This pilot order comes shortly after reports emerged in September about the revival efforts at 20th Television. The original “Prison Break,” which first premiered in 2005, became a cultural phenomenon, centered on the clever and desperate plan devised by structural engineer Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller. Scofield’s mission was to spring his brother, Lincoln Burrows, portrayed by Dominic Purcell, from prison after Lincoln was falsely accused of a grave crime — murdering the brother of the Vice President of the United States.
The original series aired on Fox from 2005 to 2008, with a revival season in 2017. Over the years, “Prison Break” has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, particularly on Hulu, where all episodes are currently available for streaming. Nielsen data indicates that the series was the most-streamed title in the U.S. for August, and it has consistently ranked among the top ten most-streamed acquired series for most of the past four months. Between January and October, “Prison Break” amassed nearly 200 million hours of streaming on Hulu, further demonstrating its enduring appeal to both old fans and new viewers discovering the series for the first time.
Elgin James, the showrunner for this upcoming project, has a rich background in television. He was co-creator, executive producer, and showrunner for the critically acclaimed FX series “Mayans M.C.” Furthermore, he co-created the series “The Outlaws,” which features Christopher Walken in a leading role. James is represented by industry professionals, including WME, Jamie Patricof at Hunting Lane, and Tara Kole at Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, ensuring his continued influence and success in the television landscape.
