Malcolm in the Middle Revival: Dewey Gets a New Face, and the Reason Will Surprise You

Exciting News: Malcolm in the Middle Is Coming Back

The highly anticipated reboot of the beloved series Malcolm in the Middle is officially in the works, featuring the return of the original cast members. Fans are thrilled to see the familiar faces reprising their roles—except for one notable omission: Dewey, the adorable and quirky younger brother.

Why Dewey Isn’t Returning — And Who Will Play the Role

Erik Per Sullivan, who masterfully portrayed Dewey during the show’s original run from 2002 to 2006, will not be reprising his role in the revival. Instead, the role has been recast with actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. This change has sparked curiosity among fans, eager to see how the new Dewey will fit into the updated series.

The Reason Behind the Casting Change

The show’s star, Bryan Cranston, shared the news during a recent interview on the Fly on the Wall podcast hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade. Cranston revealed that Sullivan, now 33 years old, has chosen to focus on his education rather than acting.

“I talked to Erik and I told him, ‘Great news—we’re bringing the show back!’” Cranston explained. “He was excited, but then he said, ‘Oh, that’s fantastic!’ I told him we’d love to have him back, but he responded, ‘Oh, no, I don’t want to do it. But I think it’s great.’”

What Is Erik Sullivan Up To Now?

Sullivan has a compelling reason for stepping away from acting. According to Cranston, the actor is currently pursuing his education at Harvard University, where he is working toward his master’s degree. Cranston praised Sullivan’s intelligence, saying, “He’s incredibly smart, and he’s really focused on his studies right now. He told us, ‘I haven’t acted since I was nine or ten, and I’m not really interested in returning to acting at this point.’”

What to Expect from the Revival

Since its original run, Sullivan stepped back from the entertainment industry at age 19, choosing to explore other interests. His decision to pursue higher education has clearly taken him down an impressive path, even if it means missing out on the reboot.

The returning cast includes Bryan Cranston as Hal, Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, Justin Berfield as Reese, and Christopher Masterson as Francis. The new series will feature four half-hour episodes, with production wrapping up last month. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official release date, which has yet to be announced, but it’s expected to premiere soon on a major streaming platform.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

While the production team keeps details under wraps, excitement continues to build. Fans hope that the revival will capture the humor and heart of the original show, offering a fresh yet familiar experience.

Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images.

Lex Briscuso is a film and television critic as well as a freelance entertainment writer. Follow her on Twitter for the latest updates on your favorite shows.

Alex Hunter

Alex Hunter

Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.

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