The reboot of Malcolm in the Middle is officially happening, with almost the entire original cast on board. However, one key member will be missing: Dewey, the beloved younger brother. Erik Per Sullivan, the original actor, has chosen not to return. Stepping into the role for the revival is Caleb Ellsworth-Clark.
Series star Bryan Cranston recently shared the news on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s Fly on the Wall podcast. He recounted his conversation with Sullivan, saying, “I told Erik, ‘We’re bringing the show back!’ He was genuinely excited and said, ‘That’s fantastic!’ But when I mentioned we were hoping to have him return, he responded, ‘Oh, no, no — I don’t want to do it. But it’s still great news.’”
There’s a good reason why Sullivan, now 33, opted out of the revival. Cranston explained, “He’s actually attending Harvard. He’s incredibly bright and is currently working on his master’s degree there. He told me, ‘Oh wow, no — I haven’t acted since I was about nine, so it’s really not for me.’”
After the original series ended in 2006, Sullivan stepped away from acting entirely four years later at age 19 to explore other passions. That decision clearly led him to an impressive path, even if it wasn’t in entertainment. As for the rest of the returning cast, Cranston will be rejoined by Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, along with Jane Kaczmarek, Justin Berfield, and Christopher Masterson.
Filming for the revival wrapped up last month, and although a release date hasn’t been announced yet, fans are hopeful the four-episode half-hour series will arrive on Disney+ soon.
