Television Pilot Ordered for New “Prison Break” Installment on Hulu

A Television Pilot for a new “Prison Break” installment has been greenlit by Hulu. Developed by Elgin James, co-creator of “Mayans M.C.” and “The Outlaws,” and produced by 20th Television, the project promises a fresh take within the established “Prison Break” universe. While plot details remain confidential, the new series is expected to diverge from the original storyline featuring Michael Scofield and Lincoln Burrows.

James will executive produce under his Sierra Drive banner, collaborating with original “Prison Break” executive producers Dawn Olmstead, Paul Scheuring, Marty Adelstein, and Neal Moritz. This pilot order follows a year of development since the project’s initial announcement. Positive feedback on the script and a recent resurgence in popularity of the original “Prison Break” series on streaming platforms have fueled anticipation for the reboot.

The original “Prison Break” returned to Netflix in July 2024 after a two-year hiatus, quickly topping streaming charts. Its success, alongside its continued availability on Hulu, demonstrates the enduring appeal of the franchise. This data underscores the potential for a new “Prison Break” series to capture a significant audience. The pilot order signifies a commitment to expanding the “Prison Break” narrative in a new direction.

This venture marks a notable move by Hulu into hour-long drama pilots, a less common practice in the streaming landscape. Hulu’s previous success with the hour-long drama pilot “Death and Other Details” suggests a strategic approach to diversifying its content offerings. This pilot also represents James’s first major project since the conclusion of “Mayans M.C.” and “The Outlaws.” His prior experience in creating and leading successful television series positions him well to helm this new “Prison Break” installment.

James’s directorial debut film, “Little Birds,” premiered at Sundance and garnered critical acclaim, further highlighting his creative abilities. His involvement in writing “Lowriders” for Imagine Entertainment and Universal Pictures showcases his versatility and experience in the industry. The project is currently in the casting phase, with speculation that James may enlist talent from his previous collaborations. He is represented by WME, Hunting Lane, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.