When Prison Break wrapped up in 2009, fans of the crime drama thought they were saying goodbye to beloved characters like Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) and Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) forever. Then 2017 rolled around and we were treated to a nine-episode revival run starring all of our favorites.

So when Hulu announced their upcoming spin-off, fans were ecstatic. Could Michael and Lincoln be returning once again?

Excitement quickly turned to anger, however, as more details of the show were revealed. Though the new series is technically set “in the world of” Prison Break, it includes none of the original characters.

Learning of this disappointing development, fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their displeasure in the coming spin-off. “We are not watching it,” one fan wrote. “Knowing when to stop is a gift not so many people possess,” another said. “Prison Break is not Prison Break without Dominic Purcell & Wentworth Miller. PASS,” added a third.

Many fans clarified that they would enjoy the return of the series if the original stars returned. But a true spin-off, without the characters who made the show a hit in the first place, was undesirable, to say the least.

“As much as I’d absolutely LOVE a Prison Break return, it’s not gonna work without Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell as Michael and Lincoln,” one fan opined. “I loved Prison Break but if you’re not following same characters, what’s the point? Let shows end, man…” another said.

Wentworth Miller Revealed Why He Wouldn’t Return to ‘Prison Break’

Wentworth Miller, the actor behind fan-favorite character Michael Scofield, told the world he was done with Prison Break three years ago. Miller, who came out as gay in 2013, took a stand against playing straight characters – including Michael.

“I’m out. Of PB. Officially,” Miller declared in a 2020 Instagram post. “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.”

Miller’s costars, Dominic Purcell and Sarah Wayne Callies, expressed their support for his decision at the time. “Fully support and understand your reasoning. Glad you have made this decision for your health and your truth,” Purcell commented on the post. “With gratitude for all the work we did together, and with deep love, I’m voicing my support for that choice,” Callies added.

Though the spin-off comes with a noticeable lack of Prison Break stars, the crew will look similar on the other side of the camera. Mayans M.C. showrunner Elgin James is bringing the new series to life with the help of Prison Break creator Paul Scheuring and the original series’ executive producers Dawn Olmstead, Marty Adelstein, and Neal Moritz.