Malcolm in the Middle fans get ready for a blast from the past! The rumors are true the chaotic Wilkerson family is officially coming back for a limited series revival on Disney+. Most of the original gang is returning but there's one big change that has everyone talking: Dewey is getting a new face!
Say Goodbye to Erik Per Sullivan: Dewey Role Recast for Malcolm in the Middle Revival on Disney+
Yes you heard it right folks. Erik Per Sullivan who brilliantly played the lovable and often mischievous Dewey Wilkerson will not be returning for the revival. Before you get too bummed out though here's the scoop: Erik has actually stepped away from acting for quite some time now. His last acting credit was way back in 2010. So it's not a total shocker but still a little bittersweet for longtime fans.
Taking on the iconic role of Dewey will be Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. You might recognize Caleb from shows like Fargo and The Expanse. He has some big shoes to fill but from what we hear he is a talented actor ready for the challenge.
Why Isn't Erik Per Sullivan Back? Dewey Actor Stepped Away From Hollywood Years Ago
Wondering what Erik Per Sullivan has been up to instead of acting? Well it sounds like he has been living a pretty different life away from Hollywood. Jane Kaczmarek who played Lois Wilkerson his on-screen mom mentioned in an interview that Erik is "very very well". She said he "wasn't interested in acting at all" after Malcolm in the Middle wrapped up in 2006. That is a long time ago!
Apparently Erik pursued academics instead. Kaczmarek revealed he went to a "very prestigious American university" and studied Victorian literature. That is quite a shift from pranks and schemes as Dewey Wilkerson! She admired his choice saying show business "is not for everybody". It seems like Erik found his passion outside of the spotlight and that is pretty awesome.
He has kept a super low profile for years skipping past cast reunions and staying out of the public eye. So while we will miss Erik's Dewey Caleb Ellsworth-Clark is stepping into a role that the original actor himself seems to have moved on from.
Good News! Most of the Original Wilkerson Family is Returning for the Revival You Crave
While Dewey might look a little different the good news is that most of the core Malcolm in the Middle cast is back! Frankie Muniz is reprising his title role as Malcolm. Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek are back as the legendary parents Hal and Lois. And get ready to see Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield return as older brothers Francis and Reese too. It's going to be a real family reunion well mostly!
Meet the New Kids on the Block: Jamie Kelly and Leah Join the Malcolm in the Middle Mayhem
The revival is not just about bringing back the old favorites. There are some new faces joining the Wilkerson family chaos as well. Anthony Timpano is set to play Jamie Malcolm's youngest brother who was just a baby in the original series. Vaughan Murrae will play Kelly a brand new character who is the youngest Wilkerson sibling. Kelly was hinted at in the series finale when Lois found out she was pregnant again. Kelly is described as "self-sufficient gets good grades and already wiser than most of the family". Sounds like a recipe for hilarious family dynamics!
And Malcolm himself is not just Malcolm anymore he is also a dad! Keeley Karsten will play Leah Malcolm's daughter. Leah is said to be just like her dad with "the same sarcastic humor same impulsiveness and the same frighteningly high intelligence" but also "more sensitive and emotional". Kiana Madeira will also be joining the cast as Tristan Malcolm's girlfriend. It sounds like the Wilkerson family tree is growing and getting even more interesting.
What to Expect in the Revival? Malcolm's Back Home for Hal and Lois' 40th Anniversary and Family Chaos Ensues
So what exactly will the Malcolm in the Middle revival be about? Well it sounds like the focus will be on a big family event. The official logline says "Malcolm and his daughter are drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party." Knowing the Wilkersons a 40th anniversary party is probably going to be anything but normal. Expect plenty of hilarious mishaps family squabbles and classic Malcolm in the Middle craziness.
The revival will be a four-episode limited series airing on Disney+. Production is set to start soon in Vancouver. Linwood Boomer the creator of the original series is back as a writer and executive producer so it sounds like the revival is in good hands. Get ready to return to the chaotic hilarious world of Malcolm in the Middle with some familiar faces and some brand new ones!
Malcolm in the Middle Revival Cast List: Who's Back and Who's New
- Frankie Muniz as Malcolm Wilkerson
- Bryan Cranston as Hal Wilkerson
- Jane Kaczmarek as Lois Wilkerson
- Christopher Masterson as Francis Wilkerson
- Justin Berfield as Reese Wilkerson
- Caleb Ellsworth-Clark as Dewey Wilkerson (Recast)
- Anthony Timpano as Jamie Wilkerson
- Vaughan Murrae as Kelly Wilkerson (New Character)
- Keeley Karsten as Leah (Malcolm's Daughter - New Character)
- Kiana Madeira as Tristan (Malcolm's Girlfriend - New Character)