The reboot of "Malcolm in the Middle" is officially moving forward with most of the original cast. However, one key family member won't be returning: Dewey. Original actor Erik Per Sullivan has chosen not to participate, and the role will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark in the revival series.
Series star Bryan Cranston shared the news on Dana Carvey and David Spade's "Fly on the Wall" podcast. He recounted his conversation with Sullivan: "I told him, 'Hey, we got the show! It's coming back.' He said, 'That's fantastic!' I replied, 'So we're looking forward to having you back.' His response was, 'Oh, no, no. I don't want to do it. But that's fantastic news.'"
Now 33, Sullivan has a compelling reason for declining the role. "He's actually attending Harvard," Cranston explained enthusiastically. "He's incredibly bright and is currently earning his master's degree there. He told me, 'Oh God, no. I haven't acted since I was about nine. I'm just not interested in it anymore.'"
After the original series ended in 2006, Sullivan stepped away from acting entirely by 2010 at age 19 to focus on other pursuits. This path has clearly led him to impressive academic achievements, even if it meant leaving performing behind. Joining Cranston for the revival are Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Jane Kaczmarek, Justin Berfield, and Christopher Masterson.
Filming concluded last month, and an official release date is still pending. The revival is slated to consist of four half-hour episodes, expected to stream on Disney+ in the near future.
