‘Malcolm in the Middle’ reboot confirms recasting of major character
A few months ago, a four-part revival of the hit TV series Malcolm in the Middle was announced, but now further casting details have emerged, including the absence of Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey in the original series.
Fans have no need to be worried about the character, though, with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark instead taking on the role of the now-grown fourth child, who was the youngest kid in the family until Jamie arrived in season four.
Jamie, who was initially played by twins James and Lukas Rodriguez, will now be played by Anthony Timpano, while Vaughan Murrae will portray Kelly, acting as confirmation that parents Hal and Lois actually did have another child, as suggested by the show’s finale.
The reason behind Per Sullivan’s absence in the reboot is likely down to the fact that he retired from acting not long after the end of Malcolm in the Middle and now prefers to stay out of the limelight.
The beloved sitcom, which follows Malcolm, a child genius, as he deals with his dysfunctional family, ran between 2000 and 2006 to huge success. It won seven Emmys and a handful of other awards, becoming one of America’s most beloved comedies.
There is no release date for the Disney+ reboot just yet, but production is set to start soon, with Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield all set to reprise their roles as the family members.
An official logline for the series has revealed the plot synopsis for the series (via Variety): “Malcolm and his daughter are drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party.”
His daughter, Leah, will be played by Keeley Karsten, while Kiana Madeira is portraying Malcolm’s girlfriend, Tristan. Leah is set to have the “same sarcastic humor, same impulsiveness and the same frighteningly high intelligence as him, but she’s far more sensitive and emotional.”
The show has been written by Malcolm in the Middle’s original creator, Linwood Boomer, ensuring that the reboot will be in safe hands.
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