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Erik Per Sullivan not returning for ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ revival: 'Dewey' role recast with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark

Erik Per Sullivan will not return for the ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ revival. Dewey’s character will be recast with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. Discover why Sullivan is absent and what to expect from the new cast.

Erik Per Sullivan will not repris his role as Dewey in the 'Malcom in the Middle' revival and is recasted with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. Photo: GLR Composition/ BBC & Merca 2.0
Erik Per Sullivan will not repris his role as Dewey in the 'Malcom in the Middle' revival and is recasted with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. Photo: GLR Composition/ BBC & Merca 2.0

Fans of Malcolm in the Middle will notice a significant change when the beloved sitcom makes its return for a revival on Disney+. Erik Per Sullivan, who famously played Dewey, will not reprise his role for the upcoming series.

Instead, the character will be recast with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. While many original cast members return, Sullivan’s absence is raising questions about his decision to step away from acting, especially after his long break from the industry.

Why Erik Per Sullivan is not returning as 'Dewey'?

One of the saddest news for 'Malcom in the middle' fans is the fact that Erik Per Sullivan, who played the fan-favorite role of Dewey, will not come back for a reprise. The mischievous character is recast with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. However, this is not surprising news considering that Sullivan, largely removed himself from the spotlight and public eye, with his last acting credit being in 2010.

 Erik Per Sullivan's last acting credit was in 2010. Photo: TV Azteca

Erik Per Sullivan's last acting credit was in 2010. Photo: TV Azteca

Sullivan, has also not participated in previous reunions of the cast, emphasizing his disinterest in returning to the acting scene. Nevertheless, fans are still sad about not seeing the original Dewey in the revival.

Caleb Ellsworth-Clark is the new 'Dewey'

Better known for his roles in Fargo and The Expanse, Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, will take over the challenge of playing Dewey Wilkerson in the 'Malcom in the Middle" revival. While this is probably the biggest change, it is not the only one the new revival will have to face.

Some new changes include adjusting to the new family dynamic that new characters will bring. The revival will introduce us to characters like Malcolm’s daughter, Leah, and the introduction of Kelly, Lois and Hal’s youngest child.

What to expect from the ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ revival?

The new episodes, which focus on the chaos surrounding Hal and Lois' 40th wedding anniversary party, promise to bring back the wild energy that defined the original series. Ken Kwapis will direct all four episodes and executive produce the Disney+ limited series.

Cast for the ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ revival:

  • Frankie Muniz as Malcolm
  • Bryan Cranston as Hal
  • Jane Kaczmarek as Lois
  • Christopher Masterson as Francis
  • Justin Berfield as Reese
  • Caleb Ellsworth-Clark as Dewey (recast)
  • Anthony Timpano as Jamie (Malcolm’s youngest brother)
  • Vaughan Murrae as Kelly (Malcolm’s youngest sibling)
  • Keeley Karsten as Leah (Malcolm’s daughter)
  • Kiana Madeira as Tristan (Malcolm’s girlfriend)

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