Malcolm in the Middle Reboot Proceeds Without Dewey as Actor Chooses Studies Over Salary
The highly anticipated Disney+ revival of the beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle is set to premiere with a notable absence. While original stars like Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek are returning, Erik Per Sullivan, who played the younger brother Dewey, has turned down a lucrative offer to rejoin the cast.
Substantial Financial Offer Politely Declined
According to co-star Jane Kaczmarek, Sullivan was approached with what she described as "buckets of money" to return for the reboot. However, the former child actor, now focused on his education, politely declined the opportunity. Kaczmarek revealed in an interview with The Guardian that Sullivan is deeply immersed in his studies, particularly in Victorian literature and the works of Charles Dickens.
"He's studying Dickens and is an incredible student," Kaczmarek stated. "They offered him buckets of money to come back, and he just said: 'No thank you.'" This decision highlights Sullivan's commitment to his academic pursuits over a return to acting.
Dewey's Role Recast for the Revival
With Sullivan unavailable, the role of Dewey has been recast. Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, known for his work in Fargo, will step into the part for the four new episodes titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair. The revival series, set to debut on Disney+ on April 10, reunites much of the original ensemble, including Muniz as the now-grown Malcolm, Cranston and Kaczmarek as his parents Hal and Lois, and Chris Kennedy Masterson and Justin Berfield as his brothers Francis and Reese.
Sullivan's Post-Acting Life and Academic Focus
Erik Per Sullivan began his role as Dewey at the age of seven and continued until the show concluded in 2006 when he was 14. Following the series' end, he retired from acting to pursue his education. Kaczmarek, in a 2024 interview with fan site Malcolm France, provided further insight into Sullivan's current life.
"He did Malcolm for seven years, he started at seven, he ended at 14. He wasn't interested in acting at all," she explained. "He goes to school at a very prestigious American university that he's asked us all to be quiet about and he loves Charles Dickens. He's doing graduate work in Victorian literature."
Kaczmarek expressed admiration for his choice, noting that show business isn't for everyone. "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.
Background on the Original Series and Revival Details
Malcolm in the Middle originally aired on Fox from 2000 to 2006, spanning seven seasons. The single-camera comedy focused on Malcolm, a child prodigy, and his dysfunctional working-class family, earning seven Emmy Awards out of 33 nominations. The revival has generated significant excitement among fans, with Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, praising the show's timeless appeal.
"Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability," Davis told Variety. "Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we're so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again."
Meanwhile, Kaczmarek also shared personal reflections on her own hiatus after the show ended, citing her divorce and desire to raise her three children as reasons for stepping back from acting. The revival promises to deliver the same laughs and mayhem that made the original a hit, with new surprises for audiences.
