"Malcolm in the Middle" is returning with a four-episode comeback series on Disney+.
The Wilkerson family is preparing for a reunion in the forthcomingDisney+ reboot. Malcolm in the Middle —but you'll notice one recognizable face won’t be around.
More than 25 years have passed since the debut of the sitcom centered around an ordinary, dysfunctionally charming American household on Fox back in January 2000. Malcolm in the Middle followed young prodigy Malcolm Frankie Muniz as he maneuvered through life with two unconventional parents, Hal Bryan Cranston ) and Lois ( Jane Kaczmarek ), and four wildcard brothers: Francis ( Christopher Masterson ), Reese (played by Justin Berfield), Dewey (portrayed by Erik Per Sullivan), and Jamie (acted by twin brothers James and Lukas Rodriguez).
The sitcom finally came to an end in May 2006 following seven seasons and a total of 151 episodes, leaving fans hanging on a cliffhanger. The show suddenly wrapped up with Lois revealing her unexpected pregnancy and Malcolm only beginning his first year at Harvard.
Following years of talk about reboots, Disney+ declared a four-episode return of Malcolm in the Middle in December 2024.
“ Malcolm in the Middle “A groundbreaking sitcom that perfectly encapsulates the intricacies of family life through comedy, warmth, and authenticity,” stated Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, according to a press release. Deadline Its amusing and emotionally charged depiction of an endearingly disorganized family struck a chord with viewers young and old, and we're thrilled to have the initial ensemble return to breathe that enchantment back into being.
The majority of the initial cast members are set to come back for this short series. Nevertheless, Per Sullivan won’t be part of it. He played Dewey, Malcolm’s younger sibling who was recognized for being clever and sharp-witted. These distinctive characteristics will instead be revived by another performer.
Why was Dewey replaced with another actor? Malcolm in the Middle Revival? Here’s all you need to know about the changes from the original series and where actor Erik Per Sullivan stands today.
What is the Malcolm in the Middle revival about?
The Malcolm in the Middle The revival will comprise four episodes and trace Malcolm and his daughter as they get pulled into the family's turmoil when Hal and Lois insist on his attendance for their 40th wedding anniversary celebration, as stated in a press release.
Who will participate? Malcolm in the Middle revival?
Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson, and Justin Berfield will all return to their respective roles in the show. Malcolm in the Middle revival, Variety reported.
The newcomers consist of Anthony Timpano, set to play Malcolm's younger brother Jamie, and Vaughan Murrae, cast as Malcolm's other young sibling Kelly. For those familiar with the show, viewers might recall that Lois was expecting their sixth child at the time of the 2006 series finale.
Malcolm's daughter, named Leah, will be portrayed by Keeley Hawkes. In the meantime, Kiana Madeira will depict his "charismatic and outspoken" girlfriend Tristan, who "far surpasses him," as stated. Variety It's not clear if she is Leah's mother as well.
Who is portraying Dewey in the movie? Malcolm in the Middle revival?
Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take over as Dewey, the musical prodigy and adorably endearing younger sibling to Malcolm, replacing Erik Per Sullivan who initially portrayed him.
Ellsworth-Clark has been acting since 2013 , gaining his initial recognition through The Appropriate Type of Wrong and the TV series Hell on Wheels He later appeared in four episodes of Wynonna Earp.
Following small roles in various endeavors, like The Handmaid’s Tale and Fargo , Ellsworth-Clark landed his first leading role in the Malcolm in the Middle revival .
Why did they replace Dewey in the movie? Malcolm in the Middle revival?
After the original Malcolm in the Middle concluded in 2006, Per Sullivan kept pursuing his acting career for several additional years prior to apparently ceasing all activities. As per IMDb His final appearance on screen was in 2010, where he portrayed Timmy. Twelve.
Following that, Per Sullivan seems to have exited Hollywood and is now leading a low-profile existence. In April 2024, Kaczmarek provided a seldom update regarding her on-screen offspring during an event. interview with Malcolm France At the Paris Manga Sci-Fi Show organized by TGS.
The actress mentioned that Per Sullivan's passion for acting evolved gradually, leading him to redirect his attention towards academics instead.
"She mentioned he’s doing exceptionally well," she said. "He did Malcolm For seven years. He began when he was 7 and concluded when he was 14. He had absolutely no interest in acting during this period."
Kaczmarek disclosed that Per Sullivan is presently engaged in studying Victorian literature at "an exceptionally renowned American university," which the previous actor asked her not to identify.
"I also appreciate this sentiment because numerous people believe that being in showbusiness is the pinnacle of success. However, it’s not meant for everybody,” the actress commented.
Why did the original Malcolm in the Middle get canceled?
Fox ultimately canceled Malcolm in the Middle following seven seasons because of poor viewership.
In 2000, the first episode attracted 22.4 million viewers, as reported. The New York Times , and the series continued to attract an audience of 13 to 15 million viewers during its initial seasons. However, in season 4, the viewer count fell to around 10 million, and by season 6, those numbers had dwindled to roughly half of what they were initially.
"We are thrilled to have hosted this pioneering comedy series," stated Peter Liguori, who was formerly the president of entertainment, in a 2006 announcement. Movie Web . "From its innovative production values to its exceptional writers and cast, this series has helped shape the modern sitcom. We'll miss this hilariously loud and manic – yet somehow relatable and admirable – family."
After the series ended in 2006, many of the principal actors went on to pursue further roles in acting and explored new ventures. Among them, Muniz followed his long-held aspiration of becoming a professional race car driver.
In October 2024, he managed to earn a position during the 2025 season from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
He mentioned in March 2025 that initially, perhaps DIWIDA thought of it as more of a pastime. He added that he doesn’t really concern himself with others' opinions. You earn respect as a driver When you're out there competing and defeating them, right? That's what I aim to achieve."
Muniz went on, "Isn’t that what we’re aiming for? To be the quickest one out there? I’m determined to outrun everyone else."
Read the initial article on DIWIDA