Alright alright alright! Malcolm in the Middle is officially coming back! We've been waiting for this forever and it's finally happening on Disney+. The Wilkerson family chaos is about to return to our screens but there's a little bit of a shake-up you need to know about right away. Get ready for a new Dewey !
Why the Dewey Switch-Up? Erik Per Sullivan Won't Return and Here's the Real Reason Why
Yep you heard it right. Erik Per Sullivan who played the lovably quirky younger brother Dewey in the original series won't be back for the revival. We know we know major bummer! Dewey was such a key part of the family dynamic with his musical talents his schemes and his hilarious reactions to his brothers' antics. So why the change?
Well it turns out Erik Per Sullivan has moved on from Hollywood. After Malcolm in the Middle wrapped up way back in 2006 Erik pretty much stepped away from acting. His last credited role was in 2010. Since then he's been living life outside the spotlight and focusing on other things. His on-screen mom Jane Kaczmarek (Lois) gave a little update recently saying Erik is "very very well" and is super into studying Victorian literature at a really fancy university. Apparently acting just wasn't his passion anymore and he's found his calling elsewhere. You gotta respect that right?
Meet the New Dewey: Caleb Ellsworth-Clark Takes on the Iconic Role
So who's stepping into Dewey's shoes? Say hello to Caleb Ellsworth-Clark! You might recognize Caleb from shows like Fargo and The Expanse. He's been acting for a while now and seems ready to bring Dewey back to life for a new generation. It's definitely a big role to fill but from what we hear Caleb is talented and excited to take on the challenge. We are curious to see his take on Dewey's signature smarts wit and maybe a little bit of that mischievous side.
The Wilkerson Family Reunion: Who's Back and Who's New in the Malcolm Revival Cast
Even with the Dewey recasting most of the original Wilkerson clan is coming back for this Disney+ revival and that’s awesome news!
- Frankie Muniz is back as Malcolm! Of course the show wouldn't be Malcolm in the Middle without Malcolm himself. We can't wait to see what Malcolm's been up to all these years and how he's dealing with family chaos as an adult.
- Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek return as Hal and Lois! The iconic parents are back! Hal and Lois are essential to the Malcolm magic and seeing Cranston and Kaczmarek back in these roles is going to be comedy gold. Get ready for more crazy schemes and classic Lois yelling.
- Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield are also returning as Francis and Reese! The older brothers are part of the gang too! Francis and Reese were always a source of hilarious trouble and it'll be fun to see how they've "grown up" (or not).
- Anthony Timpano as Jamie and Vaughan Murrae as Kelly: Remember Jamie the youngest brother? He is back played by Anthony Timpano. And get ready for a NEW youngest sibling Kelly played by Vaughan Murrae! Turns out Lois was pregnant with a sixth kid in the original finale. Hello Kelly!
- Keeley Karsten as Leah Malcolm's Daughter: Malcolm has a daughter! Keeley Karsten will play Leah and it sounds like she is taking after her dad in some ways. Sarcastic smart and impulsive just like Malcolm but maybe with a bit more emotional depth.
- Kiana Madeira as Tristan Malcolm's Girlfriend: Malcolm's got a girlfriend named Tristan who is described as "charming opinionated" and "way out of his league." Kiana Madeira is playing Tristan. Is she also Leah's mom? We will have to see!
It's a mix of familiar faces and fresh blood ready to bring the Wilkerson family into a new era.
What's the Revival About? 40th Anniversary Chaos and Family Mayhem Returns!
So what exactly will the revival be about? The official word is that it's a four-episode special event. The main plotline revolves around Hal and Lois's 40th wedding anniversary. Of course things are never simple with the Wilkerson family. Malcolm and his daughter Leah get "drawn into the family's chaos" when Hal and Lois demand everyone's presence for the party. Expect classic Malcolm in the Middle style humor family craziness and maybe a few heartwarming moments thrown in for good measure.
Why Did Erik Per Sullivan Leave Hollywood Anyway? Finding His Path Outside of Acting
It's interesting to think about Erik Per Sullivan's decision to step away from acting. He was so good as Dewey and Malcolm in the Middle was such a huge show. But it sounds like show business just wasn't his long-term passion. He started acting really young and after seven seasons as Dewey he was ready for something different. He chose to focus on education and found something he really loves in literature. It's a reminder that not everyone wants to stay in the spotlight and that is totally okay. We wish Erik all the best in his academic pursuits and whatever he decides to do next!
Why Did the Original Malcolm in the Middle End in the First Place? Ratings Game Reality
In case you are wondering why Malcolm in the Middle ended its original run after seven seasons it basically came down to ratings. The show was a massive hit early on with over 22 million viewers for the pilot episode and averaging 13-15 million viewers in the early seasons. But as time went on viewership declined. By season 6 the numbers were almost half of what they used to be. Fox decided to cancel the show after season 7 due to those lower ratings. It's just the way TV business goes sometimes even for great shows.
Malcolm in the Middle Revival: Key Things to Know
- Dewey Recast: Erik Per Sullivan will not return as Dewey; Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take over the role.
- Most Original Cast Returning: Frankie Muniz Bryan Cranston Jane Kaczmarek Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield are all back.
- New Characters Introduced: Malcolm's daughter Leah (Keeley Karsten) and youngest Wilkerson sibling Kelly (Vaughan Murrae).
- Four-Episode Special: The revival will be a limited series on Disney+ with four episodes.
- Plot Focus: Hal and Lois's 40th wedding anniversary and family chaos.
- Erik Per Sullivan's Reason for Not Returning: Focus on academics and no longer interested in acting.
Get Ready for More Wilkerson Family Fun (Even with a New Dewey)!
So yeah Dewey is getting a new face but the Malcolm in the Middle revival is still super exciting. Most of the original cast is back we are getting new family members and the promise of more hilarious Wilkerson family chaos. Caleb Ellsworth-Clark has big shoes to fill as Dewey but we are keeping an open mind and ready to welcome him to the family. Get ready to return to the middle with Malcolm and the gang sometime soon on Disney+!