The beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle is making a comeback on Disney+, but fans will notice one significant absence: the original Dewey, played by Erik Per Sullivan, will not be returning. Instead, the role has been recast with actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, who is set to portray the character in the upcoming four-episode revival, which is scheduled to begin filming in Vancouver, Canada, in April 2025.
Originally premiering in January 2000, Malcolm in the Middle captivated audiences for seven seasons with its hilarious and heartfelt depiction of a dysfunctional family led by a child genius, Malcolm Wilkerson, played by Frankie Muniz. The show not only earned critical acclaim but also won multiple awards, including a Peabody Award and seven Emmy Awards. Its unique single-camera format paved the way for future sitcoms, influencing a generation of television comedies.
While many original cast members are reuniting for the revival, including Bryan Cranston as Hal, Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, Christopher Masterson as Francis, and Justin Berfield as Reese, Erik Per Sullivan's absence has raised questions among fans. The actor, who portrayed the youngest Wilkerson brother, Dewey, retired from acting at the age of 18 and has since pursued higher education.
In a recent interview, Kaczmarek shared insights about Sullivan, stating, "He did Malcolm for seven years; he started at seven and ended at 14. He wasn't interested in acting at all." She added that he is currently studying Victorian literature at a prestigious American university and has a passion for the works of Charles Dickens. Kaczmarek emphasized her admiration for Sullivan's choice, noting, "I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world. It's not for everyone."
Despite his departure from the spotlight, Sullivan remains a cherished figure among fans. Kaczmarek assured the public that he is doing well, saying, "He’s very, very well." In fact, she revealed that he is grateful for his time on the show, describing Dewey as a "beloved" character who was often the heart of many scenes. The show's creator, Linwood Boomer, also recognized Sullivan's impact on the series, recalling how he could always rely on Dewey to save a scene.
Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, who will take over the role of Dewey, brings his own experience to the character. The Canadian actor has appeared in projects like The Thicket and has made guest appearances in popular series such as Fargo and Joe Pickett. As the revival focuses on Malcolm navigating adulthood, the new episodes will explore the chaos of family life as Malcolm, now a parent himself, attends his parents' 40th wedding anniversary with his daughter, Leah, played by Keeley Karsten.
In addition to the returning cast, the revival will introduce new characters, including Malcolm's teenage daughter Leah and a new sibling, Kelly, portrayed by Vaughan Murrae, who was hinted at in the series finale. Anthony Timpano will also join the cast as Jamie, replacing the original actors who played Malcolm's youngest brother.
The revival is not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it promises to capture the essence of what made the original series so beloved. Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television, expressed excitement about the project, stating, "Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart, and relatability. It’s a hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family that resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again."
As the show gears up for production, fans are eager to see how the Wilkerson family has evolved since their last appearance. Muniz himself shared his enthusiasm on social media, revealing that he has started rewatching the original series to prepare for filming. He tweeted, "Just started watching Malcolm in the Middle episode 1. Got 151 to catch up on before we start filming again in a few days!!! Can’t wait to get back together with my old family."
The four-episode revival series is set to premiere later in 2025, and while the absence of Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey is felt, the excitement surrounding the reunion of the original cast and the new storytelling possibilities has fans eagerly awaiting the show's return. As the Wilkersons come together for a family celebration, audiences can expect the same mix of humor and chaos that made the original series a classic.
