Nearly two decades after its final episode aired, the beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle is officially making a comeback. Disney+ has unveiled the first full trailer for the hotly anticipated revival, but the excitement has been tempered for many fans by the noticeable absence of a key family member.
Back to the Dysfunctional Family
The original series, which catapulted a young Frankie Muniz to fame, ran for six successful seasons from 2000, chronicling the chaotic life of genius teenager Malcolm and his wildly dysfunctional family. The reboot, titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Not Fair, is set to pick up the story next year.
It will follow an adult Malcolm as he is reluctantly drawn back into the family fold to celebrate his parents' 40th wedding anniversary. The core cast is largely returning, with Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek reprising their iconic roles as Hal and Lois. Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield are also back as brothers Francis and Reese.
The Dewey Dilemma Dominates Discussion
However, the release of the trailer has sparked a wave of similar complaints across social media. Fans were quick to point out that Erik Per Sullivan, who played the quirky youngest brother Dewey in the original series, is missing from the new footage.
Erik Per Sullivan has stepped away from acting entirely, leading the producers to recast the role. Actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will now play Dewey. This decision has become the major talking point among the show's loyal fanbase.
"Where is the star of the show?" one fan demanded on X, posting a picture of Dewey. Another echoed the sentiment, tweeting, "WHERES THE MAIN CHARACTER?" in reference to the beloved younger brother. A third simply asked, "Where’s my boy Dewey???"
Some fans expressed deeper disappointment, with one commenting, "This is cool and all, but how could they possibly go on with this when Erik Per Sullivan didn't return... Makes it quite incomplete if u ask me."
A New Face for an Old Character
Not all reactions were negative regarding the recast. Many viewers remarked on the uncanny resemblance between the new actor and the young Erik Per Sullivan.
"Im not gonna lie, that Dewey looks exactly what I'd expect Dewey to look like," one observer noted. Another added, "It's incredible that they found... a guy that looks exactly like he did as a child like 25 years later."
Frankie Muniz recently shed light on his former co-star's decision in an interview, stating, "He is very happy with the life he’s built outside of this industry and made the decision not to come back, which we totally respect."
Bryan Cranston provided further insight on a podcast, revealing, "I talked to Erik… and he goes, ‘Oh, that’s fantastic!… but no, no, no, I don’t want to do it.' He hasn’t acted since he was nine or something… he’s actually going to Harvard. He’s getting his master’s."
Despite the divided reaction to Dewey's new face, anticipation remains high for the return of the dysfunctional clan. Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Not Fair is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on April 10 next year.
