The upcoming Malcolm in the Middle revival for Disney+ has confirmed the return of some original cast members while announcing a significant recast and additions representing the next generation of the family.
Here’s the Lowdown: Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield are set to reprise their roles as Malcolm’s older brothers, Francis and Reese, respectively. However, Erik Per Sullivan, who played the younger brother Dewey and left acting in 2010, will not return. The role of Dewey has been recast, with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark (Joe Pickett, Wynonna Earp) stepping in. Additionally, Anthony Timpano joins as Jamie, the youngest brother seen as a toddler in the original, Vaughan Murrae will play the daughter revealed in the finale, and Keeley Karsten has been cast as Malcolm’s own daughter, Leah.
What This Means Now: The revival is definitely moving ahead, securing key original actors while negotiating the absence of another. The recasting of Dewey and the introduction of Malcolm’s child and the previously unseen daughter signals a clear time jump and opens up new storylines focusing on the family’s evolution.
The Bigger Picture: This casting news illustrates a common hurdle for TV revivals: managing the availability and willingness of the original cast. By introducing new family members and recasting where necessary, the show aims to blend nostalgia with fresh narratives for both long-time fans and potentially new viewers on Disney+.
