Fans of “Malcolm in the Middle” have eagerly awaited its revival, and the first cast announcements have finally been made. However, there’s notable disappointment among fans due to the absence of a key actor from the original lineup.
The beloved sitcom originally aired in 2000 and concluded in May 2006. Now, nearly two decades later, Disney+ is bringing back the series for a revival, much to the delight of its audience.
Although several original cast members are returning, one family member’s absence is particularly disheartening for viewers.
According to Variety, Frankie Muniz will once again portray the lead role, while Bryan Cranston, renowned for “Breaking Bad,” will reprise his role as Hal, Malcolm’s father. Additionally, Jane Kaczmarek will return as Lois, Malcolm’s mother.
Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield will return as Malcolm’s brothers, Francis and Reese. However, the role of Dewey will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark from “The Thicket,” instead of Erik Per Sullivan.
This recasting decision has stirred mixed emotions among fans. While some are eager to see Ellsworth-Clark’s interpretation of Dewey, other fans reminisce about Sullivan’s portrayal.
One Twitter user expressed their displeasure: “Just found out they recasted Dewey in Malcolm in the middle reboot .. I DONT WANT NONE OF IT THEY CAN KEEP IT.”
Another echoed this sentiment, stating: “The Malcolm in the Middle reboot is recasting Dewey? Literally whats the point of rebooting it then.”
A third user simply lamented: “Life is unfair.”
Yet, some see potential in the new casting choice, with one user posting side-by-side pictures of the two actors and noting: “The new actor playing Dewey in the Malcolm in the Middle reboot might actually be the perfect recast holy s**t.”
As for Sullivan’s absence, Jane Kaczmarek explained on a fan site, Malcolm France, last year, as quoted by the BBC, that Sullivan is doing well but has chosen to step away from acting. His last credited role on IMDb dates back to 2010.
“He did Malcolm for seven years, he started at seven, he ended at 14,” Kaczmarek mentioned. “He wasn’t interested in acting, at all.”
She further stated her admiration for Sullivan’s decision to pursue other passions, emphasizing that the entertainment industry may not be for everyone, despite its allure.
Joining the returning cast are newcomers like Kiana Madeira, known for “Fear Street,” who will play Malcolm’s girlfriend. Anthony Timpano from “Mixtape” and Vaughan Murrae from “Ghostwriter” will also join the cast as Jamie and the youngest sibling, Kelly.