Malcolm in the Middle reboot had to recast major character after actor refused to return

EntertainmentMovie
4 Apr 2026 • 9:10 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • The hit 2000s sitcom Malcolm in the Middle is returning for a four-episode revival on Disney+, featuring most of its original cast.
  • Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Chris Kennedy Masterson, and Justin Berfield are reprising their roles.
  • Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey, declined a substantial salary offer to return, prioritizing his education over acting.
  • Kaczmarek revealed Sullivan is pursuing graduate work in Victorian literature at a prestigious university and is not interested in show business.
  • Dewey has been recast with actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark for the revival, which premieres on Disney+ on April 10.

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