diff --git a/pkgs/development/python-modules/shellescape/default.nix b/pkgs/development/python-modules/shellescape/default.nix
index cc31f50cda54..7307f904210a 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/python-modules/shellescape/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/python-modules/shellescape/default.nix
@@ -2,13 +2,14 @@
   lib,
   buildPythonPackage,
   fetchFromGitHub,
+  setuptools,
   pytestCheckHook,
 }:
 
 buildPythonPackage rec {
   pname = "shellescape";
   version = "3.8.1";
-  format = "setuptools";
+  pyproject = true;
 
   src = fetchFromGitHub {
     owner = "chrissimpkins";
@@ -17,6 +18,8 @@ buildPythonPackage rec {
     hash = "sha256-HAe3Qf3lLeVWw/tVkW0J+CfoxSoOnCcWDR2nEWZn7HM=";
   };
 
+  build-system = [ setuptools ];
+
   nativeCheckInputs = [ pytestCheckHook ];
   pythonImportsCheck = [ "shellescape" ];