Malcolm in the Middlefaced several recastingsin its four-part revival.
After Hulu picked up a revival series forMalcolm in the Middle, it was confirmed thatErik Per Sullivanwould be recast, withCaleb Ellsworth-Clarktaking over the role of Dewey.
The rest of the cast — includingFrankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher MastersonandJustin Berfield— reprised their respective characters. In addition to the main cast,Kiana Madeira, Anthony Timpano, Vaughan MurraeandKeeley Karstenwere cast in key roles as well.
"25 years since we premiered Malcolm in the Middle. I'm so excited... that I may have peed just a little bit,” Cranston, 70, and Kaczmarek said in a December 2024 announcement post. "What a delight that I get to yell at that kid again! We're very, very excited about coming back together and seeing what this family has been up to."
Which ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning for the Revival? Recasting Explained
The revival was written byLinwood Boomer, who created the original series. It chronicled Malcolm (Muniz) and his daughter as they are “drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal (Cranston) and Lois (Kaczmarek) demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party,” according to a press release.
It was later revealed that Per Sullivan got a hefty offer to return for theMalcolm in the Middlerevival, buthe ultimately said no.
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Per Sullivan's onscreen mom, Kaczmarek, was asked about his absence from the upcoming four-part special, telling The Guardian in April 2026 that the retired actor is “studying Dickens and is an incredible student."
"They offered him buckets of money to come back, and he just said, ‘No, thank you,'" she added.
Kaczmarek previously defended Per Sullivan's decision to stay out of the spotlight.
“I admire it because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world. It’s not for everyone," she said in a 2024 interview about how Per Sullivan is a student at “a very prestigious American university.”
Keep scrolling for everyMalcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfaircharacter that was recast:
Erik Per Sullivan’s Life Out of the Spotlight: Where Is the ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Child Star Now?
Dewey
Caleb Ellsworth-Clark took over the role of Dewey after Erik Per Sullivan chose not to return.
Jamie
After brothers Lukas and James Rodriguez portrayed Jamie in the OG show, Anthony Timpano was cast for the revival.
