After nearly two decades, the beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle is making a comeback on Disney+, much to the delight of longtime fans. The revival series, which wrapped filming in May 2025, brings back most of the original core cast, including Bryan Cranston as Hal, Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Christopher Masterson as Francis, and Justin Berfield as Reese. However, one familiar face will be missing: Erik Per Sullivan, who famously portrayed the youngest brother, Dewey.
Bryan Cranston, now 69 and widely known for his Emmy-winning role in Breaking Bad, opened up about the revival and Sullivan’s absence during a recent appearance on the Fly on the Wall podcast with Dana Carvey and David Spade. Cranston revealed he had a conversation with Sullivan about returning for the series, only to find that the actor had moved on from his childhood acting career. “I talked to Erik and I said, ‘Hey, we got the show! It’s going to come back.’ He goes, ‘Oh, that’s fantastic!’ And I go, ‘Yeah, so we’re looking forward to having you back.’ He goes, ‘Oh, no, no, I don’t want to do it. But it’s fantastic,’” Cranston recounted.
What led to Sullivan’s decision not to reprise his role? Cranston explained that the former child star is now deeply invested in an academic career. “He’s actually going to Harvard. He’s really, really smart, and he’s getting his master’s at Harvard right now,” Cranston said. Sullivan himself reportedly told Cranston, “Oh God, no, I haven’t acted since I was nine or something. So I’m not into it.” This marked a significant shift from the days when Sullivan was a staple of the show’s heartwarming and chaotic family dynamic.
To fill the void left by Sullivan, the role of Dewey will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, known for his work on the series Fargo. The revival will expand on the original Fox series created by Linwood Boomer, which aired from 2000 to 2006 and earned seven Emmy Awards out of 33 nominations. The new episodes promise to bring back the humor, pranks, and family mayhem that endeared the show to audiences, while introducing fresh elements and characters.
Disney+ greenlit a four-episode special reunion that revisits the Wilkerson family years later. The official synopsis reveals that the storyline centers around Malcolm and his daughter, who are drawn back into the family chaos when Hal and Lois demand their presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party. This setup offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on the family’s dynamic, appealing to both original fans and new viewers.
Cranston shared his enthusiasm for the revival, noting the passage of time and how the actors have grown alongside their characters. “It’s amazing how these boys who were my boys on that show are now around the same age I was when we first started, and they’ve got children of their own,” he said. Cranston also revealed that he had been advocating for the revival for a decade, persistently encouraging Boomer to develop the project. “I just started wearing him down until he said, ‘I’ve got an idea.’ I said, ‘Good,’” Cranston joked.
While most of the original cast is returning, it remains unclear whether some fan-favorite supporting characters will appear. There has been no official word on whether Craig Lamar Traylor (Stevie), David Anthony Higgins (Craig), or Emy Coligado (Piama) will reprise their roles. However, the involvement of the central family members promises to capture the spirit of the original show.
Fans of Malcolm in the Middle have long cherished its unique blend of humor and relatable family struggles. Disney Branded Television president Ayo Davis highlighted this in the announcement of the reboot last December, stating, “Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humour, heart and relatability.” Davis added, “Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again.”
With Linwood Boomer and the original creative team at the helm, the new episodes are expected to deliver the same mix of laughter and warmth that made the show a cultural touchstone. The revival not only taps into nostalgia but also introduces the Wilkerson family’s antics to a new generation, ensuring the legacy of Malcolm in the Middle endures.
As the series prepares for its release, anticipation is high. The reunion offers a chance to revisit a beloved world of sibling rivalry, parental chaos, and unexpected moments of tenderness. And while the absence of Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey is felt, the story continues with fresh energy and a renewed sense of family, proving that some things—like the Wilkersons’ lovable dysfunction—never go out of style.
