Malcolm within the Middle is returning without Erik Per Sullivan — but where is the previous child star now?
After Disney+ picked up a revival series for Malcolm within the Middle, Variety confirmed that Per Sullivan could be recast. His character Dewey will probably be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, who’s taking on the role for the four-episode special.
The remainder of the forged including Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield are expected to reprise their respective characters. Along with the foremost forged, Kiana Madeira, Anthony Timpano, Vaughan Murrae and Keeley Karsten have been forged in key roles as well.
“25 years since we premiered Malcolm within the Middle. I’m so excited… that I could have peed just a bit bit,” Cranston and Kaczmarek said in a December 2024 announcement post. “What a delight that I get to yell at that child again! We’re very, very enthusiastic about coming back together and seeing what this family has been as much as.”
The revival will probably be written by Linwood Boomer, who created the unique series. It should chronicle Malcolm (Muniz) and his daughter as they’re “drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal (Cranston) and Lois (Kaczmarek) demand his presence for his or her fortieth wedding anniversary party,” in line with a press release.
Frankie Muniz, Erik Per Sullivan in Malcolm within the Middle. Everett Collection
“Malcolm within the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability,” President of Disney Branded Television Ayo Davis said in an announcement. “Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the unique forged back to bring that magic to life again. With Linwood Boomer and the creative team on the helm, these recent episodes may have all of the laughs, pranks, and mayhem fans loved — together with just a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless.”
Meanwhile, President of twentieth Television Karey Burke released an announcement as well, which read, “Malcolm within the Middle literally modified the face of the tv comedy landscape when it premiered 20 years ago, redefining what the genre could possibly be. When Linwood Boomer suggested it is likely to be time to bring everyone’s favorite dysfunctional family back for a little bit of a reunion, we couldn’t consider a more iconic and influential series to revisit, together with a really good forged to reunite.”
Per Sullivan’s absence doesn’t come as a surprise. He rose to stardom playing Dewey on Malcolm within the Middle, which ran from 2000 to 2006. Per Sullivan appeared on Come on Over, Arthur and the Invisibles and Twelve.
ryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Lukas Rodriguez, and Erik Per Sullivan in “Malcolm within the Middle.” Everett Collection
The now-former actor officially retired in 2010 and hasn’t participated in any of the show’s reunions through the years. Kaczmarek, who played Per Sullivan’s onscreen mother, shared an update in 2024 during an interview, saying, “I love it because so many individuals think being in show business is the best thing on this planet. It’s not for everybody.”
Kaczmarek revealed that Per Sullivan retired from acting because he was now not interested by the occupation. He’s currently a student at “a really prestigious American university” and pursuing a level in Victorian literature.
The actress offered one other update in April 2026, telling The Guardian that the retired actor is “studying Dickens and is an incredible student. They offered him buckets of cash to return back, and he just said, ‘No thanks.’”