The highly anticipated Malcolm in the Middle revival is bringing back familiar faces alongside some new additions, including a major recasting decision.
Variety has confirmed that Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield will reprise their roles as Francis and Reese in the Disney+ reboot of the beloved sitcom. However, Erik Per Sullivan, who originally played Dewey, will not be returning. Instead, Caleb Ellsworth-Clark (Fargo, The Expanse) will take on the role for the four-episode limited series.
The revival will also introduce new characters to the Malcolm in the Middle universe. Anthony Timpano (Riverdale, Nancy Drew) will play Malcolm’s youngest brother, Jamie, while Vaughan Murrae (Before I Change My Mind, The Way Home) takes on the role of the family’s new youngest sibling, Kelly. Additionally, Keeley Karsten (The Fabelmans, Hunters) will portray Malcolm’s daughter, Leah.
Frankie Muniz is set to reprise his iconic role as Malcolm, with Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek returning as the beloved but chaotic parents, Hal and Lois. As previously reported, Kiana Madeira will join the cast as Tristan, Malcolm’s girlfriend.
Ellsworth-Clark is represented by Integral Artists, while Timpano is managed by The Characters Talent Agency. Murrae is with Oscars Abrams Zimel & Associates Inc., and Karsten is signed with Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Buchwald.
New Additions to the Family
Jamie, first introduced in the show’s fourth season, returns as the now-grown youngest brother. The character of Kelly, Malcolm’s newly revealed youngest sibling, was first hinted at in the series finale when it was disclosed that Hal and Lois were expecting a sixth child. Kelly is described as self-sufficient, academically gifted, and already wiser than most of the family.
Meanwhile, Malcolm’s daughter, Leah, appears to have inherited his quick wit, impulsive nature, and high intelligence. However, unlike her father, she is more emotionally sensitive, adding a fresh dynamic to the family’s ongoing dysfunction.
Why Erik Per Sullivan Won’t Return as Dewey
Sullivan’s absence is not unexpected, as he largely stepped away from acting after Malcolm in the Middle ended in 2006. His last known screen credit was in the 2010 film Twelve. Over the years, he has also remained absent from cast reunions, solidifying speculation that he had retired from the industry.
Production Details & Storyline
Filming for the revival is set to begin in Vancouver in the coming weeks. The official logline for the new episodes reads: “Malcolm and his daughter are drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party.”
Linwood Boomer, the original creator of Malcolm in the Middle, returns as writer and executive producer. The series is produced by 20th Television and New Regency, with Bryan Cranston, Tracy Katsky of KatCo, Gail Berman, Arnon Milchan, Yariv Milchan, and Natalie Lehmann also serving as executive producers. Ken Kwapis will direct all four episodes and executive produce, while Jimmy Simons and Laura Delahaye are co-executive producers.
With a mix of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, the Malcolm in the Middle revival promises to bring the same comedic brilliance that made the original show a hit, while exploring new family dynamics and character growth.
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