After years of anticipation, the beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle is making a comeback with a four-part revival set to begin filming soon. Most of the original cast members are returning, but there are notable changes in the lineup, particularly with the character of Dewey.
Originally airing from 2000 to 2006, Malcolm in the Middle captured the chaotic lives of a child genius, Malcolm Wilkerson, and his dysfunctional family. The show became a cultural touchstone, winning seven Emmy Awards and garnering a loyal fanbase. It was created by Linwood Boomer, who has returned to write the reboot.
While Frankie Muniz is set to reprise his role as Malcolm, and Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek will return as Hal and Lois, Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey, will not be part of the revival. Instead, Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take on the role of the now-grown Dewey. Sullivan, who started acting at age seven, has since stepped away from the spotlight to focus on his academic pursuits. Reports indicate that he is currently attending a prestigious university, where he is studying Victorian literature.
In a recent interview, Kaczmarek shared insights about Sullivan’s life post-acting. "He is well. He is very, very well. We did Malcolm for seven years; he started when he was seven, ended when he was 14. He wasn't interested in acting at all," she noted. "He loves Charles Dickens, and he is doing graduate work in Victorian literature." This indicates a clear shift in priorities for Sullivan, who has chosen to pursue a path outside of the entertainment industry.
The reboot will also introduce new characters, including Leah, Malcolm's daughter, portrayed by Keeley Karsten. Leah is described as sharing her father's intelligence and humor but with a more sensitive disposition. Additionally, Kiana Madeira will play Malcolm's girlfriend, Tristan, further expanding the family dynamics explored in the show.
Another significant addition is Vaughan Murrae, who will portray Kelly, confirming that Hal and Lois had another child, a detail hinted at in the series finale. Fans can expect to see the familiar antics and humor that made the original series a hit, with the logline teasing family chaos as Malcolm and his daughter navigate the festivities for Hal and Lois’s 40th wedding anniversary.
Production for the reboot is set to take place in Vancouver, and the excitement surrounding the return of Malcolm in the Middle is palpable. With the original creator at the helm, there is hope that the revival will recapture the charm and wit that endeared the show to its audience.
As for the original cast, they have all taken different paths since the show concluded. Muniz, now 39, briefly stepped away from acting to pursue a career in racing. He has since returned to the screen with roles in various projects and has been involved in business ventures, including a partnership with a carbon fiber wallet manufacturer.
Bryan Cranston, who played Hal, found immense success following Malcolm in the Middle with his iconic role in Breaking Bad. His portrayal of Walter White earned him critical acclaim and opened doors to numerous opportunities in film and television. Cranston has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching a mezcal brand with his former co-star Aaron Paul.
Jane Kaczmarek, now 69, has continued to act in various television series and has lent her voice to characters in animated shows. She remains a prominent figure in the industry, maintaining her connection to her roots in Malcolm in the Middle.
Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield, who played Malcolm's older brothers, are also returning for the reboot. Masterson, now 45, has worked on various projects since the show ended, while Berfield has transitioned into a creative role within the Virgin Group, stepping away from acting.
As the revival gears up for production, fans of Malcolm in the Middle are eager to see how the beloved characters have evolved and what new stories will unfold. The combination of familiar faces and fresh talent promises to deliver a nostalgic yet innovative experience for both longtime viewers and new audiences alike.
The revival aims to maintain the humor and heart that made the original series so special while introducing new surprises that will keep fans engaged. As the filming begins, the anticipation builds for what is sure to be a memorable return to the Wilkerson family.
