AceShowbiz - The beloved Fox sitcom Malcolm in the Middle is returning with a four-part revival on Hulu, but fans will notice some changes to the original cast. While many of the main actors have reprised their roles, a key character was recast following the departure of one of the original stars.

The revival confirmed that Erik Per Sullivan, who originally played the youngest sibling Dewey, would not return to the series. Instead, the role of Dewey is now portrayed by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. This recasting marks the most notable change in the core family lineup, as other primary cast members have returned for the new episodes.

Original stars Frankie Muniz (Malcolm), Bryan Cranston (Hal), Jane Kaczmarek (Lois), Christopher Masterson, and Justin Berfield all came back to reprise their characters. Additionally, the revival introduced new faces including Kiana Madeira, Anthony Timpano, Vaughan Murrae, and Keeley Karsten in significant supporting roles, expanding the storylines within the family’s world.

The revival, penned by original series creator Linwood Boomer, centers on Malcolm and his daughter as they get swept back into the family's trademark chaos. The plot involves Hal and Lois demanding Malcolm’s presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party, which sets the stage for the family dynamics fans remember.

Despite offers that reportedly included substantial financial incentives, Erik Per Sullivan chose not to return to the role of Dewey. In an April 2026 interview with The Guardian, Jane Kaczmarek explained that Per Sullivan has stepped away from acting to focus on his studies, specifically noting his interest in Dickens and academics. She praised his decision, saying he declined the offers with a polite “No, thank you.”

Kaczmarek has also defended Sullivan’s choice to avoid the spotlight, highlighting that the entertainment industry is not for everyone. She shared that he is currently a student at a prestigious American university, emphasizing that pursuing a career outside of show business is a valid and admirable path.

Among other characters, the role of Jamie also saw a change. Previously played by brothers Lukas and James Rodriguez on the original show, the revival cast Anthony Timpano in this role, further reflecting the changes in casting decisions made for the new series.

When the revival was announced in December 2024, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek expressed enthusiasm about revisiting their iconic roles, sharing their excitement with fans. Cranston humorously remarked about the joy of “yelling at that kid again,” referring to the family dynamic that was a hallmark of the original series.

For longtime fans of Malcolm in the Middle, the revival presents a mix of nostalgia and fresh storytelling, blending returning cast members with new talent. The recasting of Dewey and Jamie signals a shift but also an opportunity for new interpretations of these characters within the family’s ongoing story.

Overall, the four-part revival aims to honor the original series’ legacy while exploring how the characters have evolved over the past two decades. The decision to bring back most of the original cast alongside new actors reflects both respect for the show’s roots and a commitment to revitalizing its narrative for a contemporary audience.

Fans can look forward to seeing how Malcolm (Frankie Muniz), his parents Hal (Bryan Cranston) and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek), and the rest of the family navigate life’s continuing challenges in what promises to be a heartfelt and entertaining revival.