The Malcolm in the Middle revival is officially happening, and Disney+ is bringing back some fan favorites while introducing fresh faces to the chaotic family dynamic.
Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield are reprising their roles as Francis and Reese, respectively, while Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek return as Malcolm and his iconic parents, Hal and Lois.
However, one major change has fans buzzing: Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey, will not be returning. Instead, Caleb Ellsworth-Clark (Fargo, The Expanse) will step into the role for the four-episode limited series.
Joining the cast are Anthony Timpano (Riverdale), Vaughan Murrae (Before I Change My Mind), and Keeley Karsten (The Fabelmans). Timpano will play Jamie, Malcolm’s youngest brother introduced in Season 4, while Murrae will portray Kelly, the youngest sibling hinted at in the series finale.
Karsten will play Leah, Malcolm’s daughter, who shares her father’s intelligence, sarcasm, and impulsiveness but is more emotionally sensitive.
Kelly, described as “self-sufficient, wise beyond her years, and a straight-A student,” is a new addition to the family. Her character was teased in the original finale when it was revealed Hal and Lois were expecting their sixth child.
The revival will follow Malcolm and his daughter Leah as they’re pulled back into the family’s chaos for Hal and Lois’s 40th wedding anniversary party. Production is set to begin in Vancouver in the coming weeks.
Linwood Boomer, the creator of the original series, returns as writer and executive producer. Bryan Cranston, Tracy Katsky, Gail Berman, and New Regency’s Arnon Milchan are also on board as executive producers, with Ken Kwapis directing all four episodes.
While Erik Per Sullivan’s absence isn’t surprising—he stepped away from acting after the series ended in 2006—fans are eager to see how the revival handles Dewey’s character with Ellsworth-Clark in the role.
With a mix of nostalgia and new energy, Malcolm in the Middle is gearing up to bring the family’s signature chaos back to screens.
This is amazing but a bit sad. One original actor won’t be returning. Conspiracy theorists will be ripe wondering why one of the originals does not want to return to his old role