Hulu Orders “Prison Break” Sequel Pilot
A “Prison Break” sequel pilot has been ordered by Hulu. Developed by “Mayans M.C.” and “The Outlaws” co-creator Elgin James and produced by 20th Television, the project aims to offer a new perspective within the established “Prison Break” world. Plot details are scarce, but the series is expected to deviate from the original Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows storyline.
James will executive produce under his Sierra Drive banner, alongside original “Prison Break” executive producers Dawn Olmstead, Paul Scheuring, Marty Adelstein, and Neal Moritz. This pilot order comes a year after the project was first announced. Positive script reception and the original “Prison Break” series’ recent streaming resurgence have fueled excitement for the reboot.
The original “Prison Break” returned to Netflix in July 2024 after a two-year absence, quickly dominating streaming charts. Its success, coupled with its continued availability on Hulu, proves the franchise’s lasting popularity and the potential for a new series to attract a large audience. The pilot order signals a commitment to expanding the “Prison Break” narrative.
This marks a significant move by Hulu into hour-long drama pilots, a less frequent practice for streamers. Hulu’s prior success with the hour-long drama pilot “Death and Other Details” suggests a strategic content diversification effort. The pilot also represents James’s first major project since “Mayans M.C.” and “The Outlaws” ended. His experience creating and leading successful television series makes him well-suited for this new “Prison Break” installment.
James’s directorial debut, “Little Birds,” premiered at Sundance to critical acclaim, further showcasing his talent. His work writing “Lowriders” for Imagine Entertainment and Universal Pictures demonstrates his versatility and industry experience. The project is currently casting, with speculation that James may tap talent from past collaborations. He is represented by WME, Hunting Lane, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
