Introducing Kelly: The Newest Member of the Malcolm in the Middle Family
The highly anticipated revival series of Malcolm in the Middle, titled Life's Still Unfair, has finally premiered exclusively on Disney+, bringing back the beloved chaotic family with some surprising new additions. All four episodes are now available for streaming, allowing fans to binge-watch the entire special in one sitting. As the story unfolds, we learn that Malcolm has distanced himself and his daughter from his family for over a decade, but he is reluctantly drawn back into their tumultuous world when his parents, Hal and Lois, demand everyone's presence at their 40th wedding anniversary celebration.
Who Exactly is Kelly in the Revival Series?
Kelly emerges as the youngest child of Hal and Lois, a character fans might struggle to recall because they never physically appeared in the original series. In the original season finale, Lois's sixth pregnancy was merely hinted at, similar to how Jamie was introduced late in the show. Fast forward two decades, and Life's Still Unfair formally introduces Kelly as a non-binary individual. During a conversation in the new series, Malcolm mentions having 'four brothers, one non-binary,' confirming Kelly's identity upon their introduction.
Hal is shown grappling with using the correct pronouns for Kelly, who primarily uses they/them. In their brief appearance, Kelly quickly distinguishes themselves from their brothers by highlighting key differences: they are not afraid of their mother Lois, achieve good grades, and boast the unique distinction of being the only sibling without a police record.
The Actor Behind Kelly: Vaughan Murrae
Kelly is portrayed by Vaughan Murrae, a non-binary actor who is a newcomer to the main cast of the revival. Murrae began their career in modelling at the age of 12 before transitioning into acting. Their screen debut was in another revival series, Apple TV's Ghostwriter, which was based on a show originally aired in 1992. Since then, they have appeared in The Solutioneers, an educational short-form series on YouTube, and the Hallmark drama The Way Home.
At 20 years old, Murrae is still early in their career, and the Malcolm revival marks their first foray into comedy. In a recent interview, they expressed excitement about the challenge, stating, "I also love when a project offers an opportunity to learn something new or presents a challenge for me to tackle. I experienced this during the filming of Malcolm in the Middle as someone who'd never done a comedy before."
Murrae also praised the production team, noting that many original writers, showrunners, and crew members returned for the revival, adding, "A lot of love was poured into this special and I cannot wait for them to see what Malcolm's family has been up to after all these years."
Streaming Details and Family Dynamics
The revival series reunites fans with familiar faces, including the eldest child Francis and his wife Piama, as well as Reese, Malcolm, Jamie, and Dewey, though the latter has been recast. Kelly's introduction adds a fresh dynamic to the family, emphasizing inclusivity and modern representation. Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair is available for streaming on Disney+ starting April 10, with a subscription now starting at £5.99 per month, offering access to this series along with content from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and more.
This revival not only brings nostalgia but also introduces new elements that reflect contemporary societal changes, making it a must-watch for both longtime fans and new viewers alike.
