Wentworth Miller Says Goodbye to ‘Prison Break’: “I Just Don’t Want to Play Straight Characters”

Wentworth Miller is freeing himself from Prison Break. The actor, who starred as Michael Scofield on the Fox drama for five full seasons, revealed on Instagram today that he’s done with the series and will not be coming back for Season 6, TV Line reports. “I’m out. Of PB [Prison Break]. Officially,” he confirmed.

Miller, who came out as gay in 2013 but plays a straight character who sends himself to prison to help free his brother, explained why he chose to leave the show now, pointing to his own sexuality and LGBTQ representation on TV. Miller told fans he’s not leaving Prison Break because of “static on social media (although that has centered the issue),” but rather, “I just don’t want to play straight characters. Their stories have been told (and told),” he wrote.

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"This is my favorite IG account," someone wrote in response to a recent post. Thank you. I want you to know I saw that. I see the positive comments and DMs (a lot of them anyway). Affectionate. Supportive. Appreciated (by me). Obviously there are comments and DMs I appreciate less. Who are these people? On my page? What backwards-ass, Stone Age values country did they crawl out of? The U.S.? I won't be disappearing (too many cool things to repost). The ability to comment likely will. I'm not concerned for myself. I can't be "bullied" in this space. I have too much power. "Delete. Block. Deactivate." Etc. But I take seriously the possibility of queer kids visiting here, recently out of the closet or exploring the idea… I don't want them exposed to bullshit. 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. 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. – W.M. 🏳️‍🌈

A post shared by @ wentworthmiller on Nov 8, 2020 at 10:05am PST

“So. No more Michael,” he continued. “If you were a fan of the show, hoping for additional seasons… I understand this is disappointing. I’m sorry. 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.”

Prison Break originally aired on Fox in 2005, running for four seasons before coming to an end in 2009. The drama was picked up again by the network nearly a decade later, bringing back nine new episodes in 2017 for Season 5. No plans have been officially confirmed for a sixth season, although rumors have been floating around since the last season premiered on Fox.

Miller’s post garnered plenty of support online, with comments rolling in from fans applauding his decision. His Prison Break costar Sarah Wayne Callies shared her own message on Instagram, posting a photo of herself and Miller with a caption “voicing support” for his choice. “To all the fans, know this: the cast of prison break is a queer friendly space. we stand with – and among – our friends & family in the LGBTQ+ community with full throated support for their rights and artistic work. all the time. always,” she wrote.

Where to watch Prison Break