Dewey Returns in Malcolm in the Middle Revival

The Malcolm in the Middle revival series is moving forward with nearly the entire original cast — with one notable exception. Erik Per Sullivan, who memorably played Dewey, won't reprise his role in the reboot. Instead, newcomer Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take over as TV's favorite little brother.

Bryan Cranston, who portrayed the dysfunctional family's patriarch Hal, shared the news during an appearance on Dana Carvey and David Spade's Fly on the Wall podcast. "When I told Erik the show was returning, he was genuinely happy but made it clear he wouldn't be joining us," Cranston recalled. "He said, 'Oh God, no - I haven’t acted since I was nine. That’s not my path anymore.'"

Sullivan, now 33, has an impressive reason for passing on the revival. "He's currently pursuing his master's degree at Harvard," Cranston revealed with noticeable pride. "Honestly, when someone chooses academia at Harvard over Hollywood, you have to respect that decision."

After the series concluded in 2006, Sullivan gradually stepped away from acting, making his final on-screen appearance in 2010 before shifting focus to his education. While fans will miss the original Dewey, they can look forward to seeing Cranston reunite with Frankie Muinz (Malcolm), Justin Berfield (Reese), Jane Kaczmarek (Lois), and Christopher Masterson (Francis).

Production recently concluded on the four-episode special, though Disney+ hasn't yet announced a premiere date for this highly anticipated revival.