‘Prison Break’ Star Wentworth Miller Has a Poignant Reason for Leaving the Series
Prison Break ran for four seasons from 2004 – 2008. A fifth season aired in 2017, but star Wentworth Miller has ruled out a sixth. Fox has been interested in further revivals, but Miller made an announcement on his Instagram account that he is done with Prison Break. He has a very relevant reason for it too.
‘Prison Break’ is a role Wentworth Miller can no longer justify playing
Prison Break starred Miller as Michael Scofield, a genius who got himself arrested so he could break his brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) out of prison. While inside, Michael had a romance with prison doctor Sara Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Callies). Since Miller is gay, he no longer wishes to play straight characters.
“I’m out. Of PB. Officially,” Miller wrote. “Not bec[ause] 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).”
In a subsequent Instagram post, Miller clarified his reasons for focusing on gay characters.
“Am I saying gay actors (gay men, specifically) should only play gay parts?” Miller wrote. “No. I was speaking for myself. At this point in my life/career, it’s what feels interesting, inspiring, right.”
Wentworth Miller on his personal and professional life
Prison Break began before Miller came out as gay. By the time of the show’s 2017 revival, Miller was out and had played the gay villain turned antihero Leonard Snart in the CW Arrowverse. Miller wrote in the second Instagram post that he struggled with coming out while on the show.
“PB was challenging, onscreen and off,” Miller wrote. “Did anyone involved tell me, explicitly, to bury my gayness for the show’s sake? No. Had I already received enough messaging from Hollywood/the larger culture/the schools I went to/my family of origin such things go unspoken lest you risk punishment, losing rights/privileges? Yes. One of the ironies of the closet is I became my own jailer. “Prison Break” indeed. (I’ve said it before – the universe has a sense of humor.)”
Wentworth Miller’s message to ‘Prison Break’ fans
Miller understood that his decision would leave some people unhappy. He regrets that his decision has ruled out Prison Break as an acting possibility.
“No more Michael,” Miller wrote in his initial post. “If you were a fan of the show, hoping for additional seasons… I understand this is disappointing. I’m sorry.”
However, Miller has stronger words for people with less tolerant takes.
“If you’re hot and bothered bec[ause] you fell in love with a fictional straight man played by a real gay one… That’s your work,” Miller wrote.
Wentworth Miller’s ‘Prison Break’ brother supports him
Co-star Purcell commented his support of Miller’s announcement on the initial post.
“It was fun mate,” Purcell wrote. “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.”
