2 days ago
Bryan Cranston Reveals Why Original Dewey is Not Returning for 'Malcolm in the Middle' Revival
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Millennials across America are ecstatic about the upcoming "Malcolm in the Middle" sequel mini-series coming to Disney+.
First look at the 'MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE' revival series.
Coming soon to Disney+ — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 22, 2025
One of the most popular sitcoms of the 2000s, the sequel will bring back multiple cast members from the original show, including Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Justin Berfield, and Christopher Masterson.
More Entertainment: 'Malcolm In The Middle' Revival Recasts Dewey
However, one member of The Wilkerson Family won't be returning: Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey. Instead, the intelligent younger sibling will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark of "The Expanse."
Now, we know the reason why.
The entire cast of "Malcolm in the Middle"
The entire cast of "Malcolm in the Middle"
Fox Network
During an appearance on Dana Carvey's and David Spade's "Fly on the Wall" podcast, Cranston stated that Per Sullivan had no interest in returning for the revival since he has retired from acting.
"I talked to Erik and I said, 'Hey, we got the show! It's gonna come back,'" Cranston said, per Tony Maglio of The Hollywood Reporter. "He goes, 'Oh, that's fantastic!' And I go, 'Yeah, so we're looking forward to having you back.' He goes, 'Oh, no, no, I don't want to do it. But it's fantastic that you are.'"
Erik Per Sullivan is not returning as Dewey for the 'MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE' sequel series because he is going to Harvard.
(Source: — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 12, 2025
Additionally, it was revealed that Per Sullivan would be getting his masters at Harvard instead.
"He's actually going to Harvard," Cranston said. "He's really, really smart, and I think he's getting his master's at Harvard right now. He said, 'Oh God, no, I haven't acted since I was nine or something. So I'm not into it.'"
More Entertainment: Dept. Q Ending Explained: Who Shot Morck?
Despite this, Cranston couldn't be prouder of the actors who are like actual children to him.
"It's amazing how these boys — who were my boys on that show — are now around the same age I was when we first started," Cranston said. "They've got children of their own."
Now, the award-winning star of "Breaking Bad" is excited to get most of the family back together again, something he has been working on for a long time.
"It's something I was pushing for for the last 10 years," Cranston said. "I just started wearing [series creator Linwood Boomer] down until he said, 'I've got an idea.' I said, 'Good.'"
More Entertainment: 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Canceled
'A Minecraft Movie' Hits HBO Max for Free Streaming in June: What to Know
Best Films to Stream in Summer 2025 on Netflix, Paramount+, Prime Video
For more television and entertainment news, head on over to Newsweek Entertainment.
