Malcolm in the Middle' Returns – Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Fans of Malcolm in the Middle have something exciting to look forward to – the beloved sitcom is officially making a comeback with a limited revival on Disney+! The original show, which ran from 2000 to 2006, followed the chaotic yet hilarious lives of Malcolm and his dysfunctional family. Now, after years of speculation, the revival is finally happening, bringing back several key cast members while also introducing some new faces. However, not everyone is returning. So, who’s in, and who’s out? Let’s break it down.

Who’s Coming Back?

Frankie Muniz as Malcolm

It wouldn’t be Malcolm in the Middle without Malcolm himself! Frankie Muniz is reprising his role as the highly intelligent yet perpetually frustrated middle child. In the revival, Malcolm is now an adult dealing with the challenges of fatherhood, and from what we know so far, his life is just as chaotic as ever.

Bryan Cranston as Hal

One of the most exciting returns is Bryan Cranston as Hal, the lovable but clueless father. Since his Malcolm in the Middle days, Cranston has become a Hollywood legend, best known for his role as Walter White in Breaking Bad. Fans are eager to see him slip back into his comedic roots as the over-the-top and accident-prone dad.

Jane Kaczmarek as Lois

Another major return is Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, the tough-as-nails mother who keeps the family in line. Her strict parenting and iconic rants made her one of TV's most memorable moms, and audiences are excited to see her back in action.

Christopher Masterson as Francis

Malcolm’s rebellious older brother, Francis, will also be returning, with Christopher Masterson reprising the role. In the original series, Francis was always finding ways to escape responsibility. It will be interesting to see how his character has evolved over the years.

Justin Berfield as Reese

The return of Malcolm’s dim-witted but tough older brother, Reese, is another highlight. Justin Berfield is stepping back into the role, and fans are curious to see if Reese has matured or if he’s still up to his usual antics.

Who’s Not Returning?

Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey – Recast

One of the biggest surprises of the revival is that Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey, Malcolm’s musically gifted younger brother, will not be returning. Instead, actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark (Fargo, The Expanse) has been cast in the role. Sullivan has largely stepped away from acting since the original show ended, so his absence isn’t entirely unexpected. However, fans will still miss his unique and hilarious portrayal of Dewey.

New Characters Joining the Cast

The revival isn’t just bringing back old favorites; it’s also introducing new characters who will shake things up.

Anthony Timpano as Jamie

Jamie, the youngest Wilkerson sibling introduced in season four of the original show, will be played by Anthony Timpano (Riverdale, Nancy Drew). Now a teenager, Jamie is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the family’s already chaotic interactions.

Vaughan Murrae as Kelly

A brand-new character, Kelly, will be introduced as the youngest Wilkerson sibling. Played by Vaughan Murrae (Before I Change My Mind, The Way Home), Kelly is described as self-sufficient, intelligent, and wise beyond their years.

Keeley Karsten as Leah

Malcolm is now a dad, and his daughter, Leah, will be played by Keeley Karsten (The Fabelmans, Hunters). Leah reportedly has Malcolm’s intelligence, sarcasm, and impulsiveness but is also more emotionally sensitive. This dynamic is expected to play a central role in the revival’s storyline.

Kiana Madeira as Tristan

Another new addition is Kiana Madeira (Fear Street, Trinkets), who will play Tristan, Malcolm’s girlfriend. Not much is known about her character yet, but her presence hints at a new layer of drama and humor.

What Can Fans Expect?

The revival is set to explore how Malcolm has navigated adulthood while still being entangled in his family’s never-ending chaos. The official synopsis teases that the plot will revolve around Hal and Lois’s 40th wedding anniversary, which forces Malcolm and his daughter back into the family drama. With the original creator, Linwood Boomer, returning as writer and executive producer, fans can expect the same mix of sharp humor, wild antics, and heartfelt moments that made the show a classic.

The four-episode series will be directed by Ken Kwapis, who also serves as an executive producer alongside Bryan Cranston, Tracy Katsky, Gail Berman, and others. Production is set to begin soon in Vancouver, with a premiere date expected to be announced later this year.

Final Thoughts

The return of Malcolm in the Middle is a dream come true for fans who have long hoped for a revival. With key original cast members returning and a fresh lineup of new characters, the limited series has the potential to bring nostalgia while introducing a new generation to the show’s unique humor. While Erik Per Sullivan’s absence as Dewey is disappointing, the addition of new characters like Kelly and Leah adds an interesting twist.

As production begins, anticipation is building, and fans are eager to see how Malcolm’s world has changed over the years. Will the revival live up to expectations? We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing is certain – the Wilkerson family is back, and chaos is sure to follow!