Malcolm in the Middle Reboot: Why Dewey Was Recast
The Malcolm in the Middle reboot is officially happening with most of the original cast, but there's one notable change: Dewey will be played by someone new. Erik Per Sullivan, the original Dewey, won't be returning, and Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will be taking on the role for the revival.
Bryan Cranston, who played the family patriarch, shared the news on the Fly on the Wall podcast. He recounted his conversation with Sullivan, saying, "I talked to Erik and I said, ‘Hey, we got the show! It’s going to come back,’ 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.’”
So, why isn't Sullivan reprising his role in the Malcolm in the Middle reboot? It turns out he has a compelling reason.
Sullivan, now 33, is pursuing higher education. “He’s actually going to Harvard,” Cranston revealed on the podcast. “He’s really, really smart, and 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.’”
Following the original show's run from 2000 to 2006, Sullivan stepped away from acting just four years later at age 19 to on other interests. It seems that path has led him to academic success.
The Returning Cast and the Dewey Recast
While Erik Per Sullivan won't be returning for the Malcolm in the Middle reboot, fans will be happy to know that many familiar faces will be back. Cranston will be joined by Frankie Muniz (Malcolm), Jane Kaczmarek, Justin Berfield, and Christopher Masterson.
Production on the revival wrapped last month. The reboot will consist of four half-hour episodes, and it’s expected to air on Disney+.
What does the Dewey recast mean for the dynamic of the family? How will the new actor compare to the original?
What to Expect from the Reboot
With most of the original cast returning, the Malcolm in the Middle reboot promises to recapture the humor and heart that made the original series so popular. However, the absence of Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey will undoubtedly be felt by fans.
The new Dewey, played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, will have big shoes to fill. Will he be able to capture the quirky charm and comedic timing that Sullivan brought to the role?
The Malcolm in the Middle reboot is generating excitement among fans eager to see the beloved family back on screen. While the Dewey recast is a change, it opens up new possibilities for the character and the show's dynamic. With the original cast and a new chapter, the reboot aims to deliver a fresh and entertaining experience for both longtime fans and new viewers alike.