Wentworth Miller Won’t Return to ‘Prison Break:’ Here’s Why
Editor’s Note: Quotes in this article contain language that is not safe for work.
In a series of angry Instagram posts, actor Wentworth Miller ended any speculation of new seasons of “Prison Break,” saying he would not return to the role of Michael Scofield.
Miller said his decision to leave the popular Fox show was because, as a gay man, he was no longer interested in the role. “I just don’t want to play straight characters,” he says.
In recent weeks, speculation rose that season 6 of “Prison Break” was coming, thanks to actor Dominic Purcell, who played Lincoln Burrows in the series.
In an Instagram post in which he addressed “rumors,” Purcell joked around before dropping a nugget for “Prison Break” fans. “Rumor number 1. I’m old. Yes, I’m 50,” he joked. “Rumor number 2. I’m bald. No, I have a full head of hair; the people demand I shave it. Rumor number 3, Will season pb 6 happen. Yes.”
“PB,” as fans refer to the show, had a wildly successful run for four seasons (2005-2009) before returning for a fifth season in 2017. Fans had clamored for a sixth season ever since, and Purcell and other actors seemed willing to return.
Purcell later deleted his post, and now it seems clear why he did: Miller does not want to return to “Prison Break.”
Miller had previously shot down rumors of a new season and he seemed unwilling to return to the role. Recent events seemed to solidify his stance, and it seemed to stem from unrelated comments by some fans on his Instagram. He fumed over the response to a post he wrote, seemingly stating he was voting more for Kamala Harris than Joe Biden.
“Some of you didn’t like my Harris-Biden post,” he said the day before the election. “Yes, that’s how I think of it. I voted for Harris. Anyway, some of you had problems with it. A different opinion. Cool. Do you.
“If, however, you didn’t like my post and felt the need to attack me and/or others, I invite you to leave. No really. Get the fuck off my page,” he said.
He then went further, expressing anger over what he felt were bigoted comments. “On your way out, please take anyone who responds to ‘black lives matter’ with ‘all lives matter.’ Take the homophobes. And the transphobes. Take the folks who don’t believe people (women) should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies. Take your religion, your DMs praying on my behalf. I don’t give a shit what your god says about the gays.”
After complaining that he had too many Instagram followers, Miller then encouraged man to unfollow him, especially if they were hoping he would provide “Prison Break” updates. “Some of you are here for teases about PB S6. I suggest you head over to @disney @foxtv and @dominicpurcell. If anyone can move the needle, it’s them. I’ve got nothing to do with it.”
Later, Miller posted again, shutting the door on any possibility of returning to “Prison Break.”
After blasting some of his followers for posting what he described as bigoted comments, he stated “On a related note… I’m out. Of PB. Officially. Not bec of static on social media (although that has centered the issue). I just don’t want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told). So. No more Michael. If you were a fan of the show, hoping for additional seasons… I understand this is disappointing. I’m sorry.”
He then seemed to mock fans who “fell in love” with the Michael Scofield character. “If you’re hot and bothered bec you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one…That’s your work.”
Although he has championed a new season for years, Purcell responded to the post by Miller with his support. “It was fun mate. What a ride it was. Fully support and understand your reasoning. Glad you have made this decision for you health and your truth. Keep the posts coming. …. love ya brother.”
Sarah Wayne Callies, who played Sarah (Miller’s love interest) on the show, also responded on Instagram. “Yesterday @wentworthmiller announced he’s done playing michael scofield because as a gay man he wants to focus on playing gay characters,” she said. “With gratitude for all the work we did together, & with deep love, i’m voicing my support for that choice.”
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Neither Fox nor the producers of “Prison Break” have commented on the posts.
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