“Malcolm in the Middle” is returning with a four-episode comeback on Disney+.

The Wilkerson clan is preparing for a gathering in the forthcomingDisney+ reboot.
Malcolm in the Middle
—but you’ll notice one recognizable face won’t be there.

More than 25 years have passed since the comedy series featuring a typical, somewhat chaotic American household first aired on Fox in January 2000.
Malcolm in the Middle
following young prodigy Malcolm (
Frankie Muniz
as he maneuvered through life with two unconventional parents, Hal
Bryan Cranston
) and Lois (
Jane Kaczmarek
), and four wildcard brothers: Francis (
Christopher Masterson
), Reese ( Justin Berfield ), Dewey ( Erik Per Sullivan ), and Jamie (portrayed by twins James and Lukas Rodriguez).

The sitcom ultimately came to an end in May 2006 following seven seasons and a total of 151 episodes, leaving fans hanging on a cliffhanger. The final episode unexpectedly wrapped up with Lois revealing her surprising pregnancy and Malcolm only beginning his first year at Harvard.

After years of reboot rumblings, Disney+ announced a four-episode revival of
Malcolm in the Middle
in December 2024.

“
Malcolm in the Middle
“A landmark sitcom that encapsulated the spirit of family life through humor, warmth, and authenticity,” stated Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television, in an official release.
Deadline
The show’s amusing and genuine depiction of a delightfully disorganized clan struck a chord with viewers young and old, and we’re thrilled to have the initial ensemble return to recreate that enchantment for us once more.

The majority of the initial ensemble is set to come back for this short engagement. Nevertheless, Per Sullivan won’t be partaking in this round. He played the role of Dewey, Malcolm’s younger sibling who was recognized for being both clever and sharp-witted. Despite these distinctive characteristics, they will now be recaptured through another performer.

Why was Dewey replaced in the role?
Malcolm in the Middle
Revival? Here’s all you need to know about the changes from the original series and what actor Erik Per Sullivan is up to these days.

What is the
Malcolm in the Middle
revival about?

The
Malcolm in the Middle
The revival will comprise four episodes and trace Malcolm and his daughter as they get pulled into the family’s turmoil when Hal and Lois insist on his attendance for their 40th wedding anniversary celebration, as stated in a press release.

Who will participate?
Malcolm in the Middle
revival?

Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson, and Justin Berfield will all return to their respective roles in the show.
Malcolm in the Middle
revival,
Variety
reported.

Anthony Timpano joins as Malcolm’s younger brother, Jamie, while Vaughan Murrae takes on the role of Malcolm’s youngest sister, Kelly. Fans might recall that Lois was expecting their sixth child at the conclusion of the 2006 series finale.

Malcolm’s daughter, Leah, will be portrayed by Keeley Karsten. In the meantime,
Kiana Madeira
will play his “charismatic and outspoken” girlfriend Tristan, described as someone “who is far beyond his reach,” according to
Variety
It’s not clear if she is also Leah’s mother.

Who is portraying Dewey in the movie?
Malcolm in the Middle
revival?

Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take over as Dewey — Malcolm’s talented and endearing younger sibling, a part initially portrayed by Erik Per Sullivan.

Ellsworth-Clark has been
acting since 2013
, securing his initial credits in
The Right Kind of Wrong
and the TV series
Hell on Wheels
. He went on to appear in four episodes of
Wynonna Earp.

After landing minor parts in other projects, such as
The Handmaid’s Tale
and
Fargo
, Ellsworth-Clark got cast in his first lead role for the
Malcolm in the Middle
revival
.

Why did they replace Dewey?
Malcolm in the Middle
revival?

After the original
Malcolm in the Middle
concluded in 2006, Per Sullivan went on to act for several additional years prior to apparently ceasing activities entirely. As per
IMDb
, his last on-screen appearance was in 2010 when he played Timmy in
Twelve.

Since then, Per Sullivan appears to have left Hollywood and is maintaining a private life. In April 2024, Kaczmarek shared a rare update about her on-screen son during an
interview with Malcolm France
at the Paris Manga Sci-fi Show by TGS.

The actress explained that Per Sullivan’s interest in acting changed over time, and he shifted his focus to his education.

“He’s very very well,” she said. “He did
Malcolm
for seven years. He started at 7, he ended at 14. He wasn’t interested in acting at all.”

Kaczmarek disclosed that Per Sullivan is presently engaged in studies of Victorian literature at “an exceptionally renowned American university,” where the ex-actor asked her not to disclose the institution’s name.

“I also appreciate this sentiment because many believe that being in showbusiness is the pinnacle of success. However, it’s not suited for everybody,” the actress mentioned additionally.

Why did the original
Malcolm in the Middle
get canceled?

Fox ultimately canceled
Malcolm in the Middle
following seven seasons because of poor viewership.

In 2000, the pilot episode drew 22.4 million viewers, according to
The New York Times
, and the show went on to average 13 to 15 million viewers in its early seasons. Unfortunately, season 4 dropped to 10 million viewers, and by season 6, that number was cut nearly in half.

“Fox is proud to have been the home of this groundbreaking comedy,” Peter Liguori, former president of entertainment, said in a 2006 statement, per
Movie Web
. “From its innovative production values to its exceptional writers and cast, this series has helped shape the modern sitcom. We’ll miss this hilariously loud and manic – yet somehow relatable and admirable – family.”

Since the show’s conclusion in 2006, most of the main cast members have continued acting and tried different hats as well. Notably, Muniz pursued his lifelong dream of being a race car driver.

In October 2024, he managed to earn
a position in the 2025 season
of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

“I think at first, maybe LIFEHACKthought it was like a hobby,” he told LIFEHACKMarch 2025. “I don’t necessarily worry about what anyone says.
You earn respect as a driver
when you’re out there competing and beating them, right? That’s what I’m trying to do.”

Muniz continued, “That is the name of the game, right? Is to try to be the fastest. I want to beat everybody.”

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