Malcolm in the Middle Revival: Cast, Plot, & Disney+ Release

Frankie Muniz just gave us a major dose of nostalgia, sharing a behind-the-scenes photo with his on-screen brothers that has everyone hyped for the upcoming Malcolm in the Middle revival on Disney+.

TL;DR – Quick Hits on the Malcolm in the Middle Revival

A four-episode revival, titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, is set to hit Disney+ in December 2026.
Most of your favorite cast members, including Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek, are returning to reprise their iconic roles.
While Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey) won't be back, new actors and characters are joining the family chaos, including Malcolm's daughter and a nonbinary sibling.

Get ready to feel old and incredibly excited, because the gang's all back! Well, mostly. Frankie Muniz, our beloved "Malcolm," recently broke the internet (or at least, X, formerly Twitter) with a sneak peek from the set of the upcoming Malcolm In The Middle Revival, and honestly, we're just as stoked as he is.

Muniz reunited with his on-screen brothers, Justin Berfield (Reese) and Christopher Masterson (Francis), for a photo that's giving us all the feels. He playfully captioned it with a nod to the show's iconic theme song, making it clear that when it comes to keeping secrets, he’s definitely "not the boss of me now."

"I was told not to post this yet, but then I remembered the theme song. I'm just too excited for y'all to see the new episodes and I miss my brothers."

— Frankie Muniz on X (October 23, 2025) Unveiling the Exciting Details of the Wilkerson Family's Return

The new limited series is officially titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair – a clever reference to the original show's opening lyric ("You're not the boss of me now, and you're not so big. Life is unfair!"). It's going to be a quick, but hopefully impactful, ride with four episodes, each around 30 minutes long, exclusively on Disney+.

Mark your calendars (tentatively, of course), because the revival is expected to drop in December 2026. That gives us plenty of time to rewatch the original seven seasons and prepare for the hilarious chaos that's bound to ensue.

What's the Storyline for the Highly Anticipated Revival Series?

The plot centers around a major family milestone: Hal and Lois's 40th wedding anniversary party. Naturally, a Wilkerson family gathering is never quiet, and it draws Malcolm and his (now adult!) daughter into yet another whirlwind of familial dysfunction. It sounds like the perfect excuse to get everyone back under one roof and see how much (or how little) they've changed.

Original series creator Linwood Boomer is back at the helm as both a writer and executive producer, which is fantastic news for fans hoping the new episodes capture the same unique spirit and humor of the show we all loved. Bryan Cranston is also stepping up as an executive producer, ensuring the classic vibe is well and truly preserved.

Who's Coming Back to Bring the Beloved Characters to Life?

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Good news, pretty much everyone you'd want to see is returning! The core cast is coming back to reprise their roles, promising plenty of familiar faces and fantastic chemistry. Get ready to see:

Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, the genius middle child.
Bryan Cranston as Hal, the eccentric, lovable dad.
Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, the fiercely protective and always-stressed mom.
Justin Berfield as Reese, the dim-witted but well-meaning older brother.
Christopher Masterson as Francis, the rebellious eldest brother.
Craig Lamar Traylor as Stevie Kenarban, Malcolm's best friend.
Gary Anthony Williams as Abe Kenarban, Stevie's father.
Emy Coligado as Piama, Francis's wife.
David Anthony Higgins as Craig Feldspar, Lois's coworker.

Why Erik Per Sullivan Won't Be Returning as Dewey and Who's Taking Over

One notable absence, which many fans have been asking about, is Erik Per Sullivan, who played the youngest brother, Dewey. It turns out Erik retired from acting back in 2010 to focus on his education, and he’s currently getting his Master’s degree at Harvard!

"I spoke to Erik and I said, 'Hey, we got the show! It's going to come back,'... He goes, 'Oh, that's fantastic!' And I go, 'Yeah, so we're looking forward to having you back.' He goes, 'Oh, no, no, I don't want to do it. But it's fantastic.' ... 'He's actually going to Harvard... He's really, really smart, and he's getting his master's at Harvard right now. ... He said, 'Oh God, no, I haven't acted since I was nine or something. So I'm not into it'."

— Bryan Cranston on Erik Per Sullivan (from the "Fly on the Wall" podcast)

Stepping into Dewey's shoes will be Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. It's always tough when a beloved character is recast, but it sounds like Erik is pursuing incredible things, and we wish Caleb the best in bringing Dewey to life for a new generation!

Introducing the Newest Members of the Already Packed Family

Beyond the returning cast, the revival is also bringing in some fresh faces and expanding the Wilkerson clan:

Anthony Timpano will play Jamie, the youngest brother from the original series (previously played by James and Lukas Rodriguez).
A brand-new youngest sibling, Kelly, will be played by Vaughan Murrae. Kelly is described as nonbinary, adding a modern twist to the family dynamic.
Malcolm also has a grown-up life now, complete with a girlfriend, Tristan (played by Kiana Madeira), and a daughter, Leah (played by Keeley Karsten).

It sounds like the house will be as full, loud, and chaotic as ever!

Frankie Muniz's Journey: From Child Star to Race Car Driver and Back Again

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For those who've followed Frankie Muniz's career, you know he took a significant step back from Hollywood after Malcolm in the Middle wrapped up. He ventured into the world of NASCAR, becoming a professional race car driver. This hiatus, he's said, was incredibly important for him.

"I'm so lucky taking that step back happened, because it made me appreciate everything more. It allowed me to do other things and realize a lot more about myself."

— Frankie Muniz to Us Weekly (September 3, 2025)

Muniz, now 39, married Paige Muniz in 2019 and they have a 4-year-old son, Mauz. He even moved from Los Angeles to Arizona, finding a deeper appreciation for the "little aspects of life." His return to acting for the revival is a testament to the show's enduring appeal and his love for the character and cast.

He's expressed a desire to continue acting, so hopefully, Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair is just the beginning of a new chapter for him on screen!

What You Can Expect from the Disney+ Malcolm in the Middle Revival

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The new episodes were filmed in Vancouver earlier in 2025, and seeing the cast reunite on set has certainly pumped up the excitement. Fans on social media have been showering Muniz's posts with hundreds of thousands of likes and comments, showing that the love for the Wilkerson family is stronger than ever.

You can anticipate the classic blend of sharp wit, relatable family struggles, and laugh-out-loud moments that made the original show a cultural phenomenon. With the addition of new characters and the passage of time, it'll be fascinating to see how Malcolm and his family have evolved, while hopefully retaining that unmistakable Malcolm in the Middle charm.

Whether you're a long-time fan or someone new to the Wilkerson's world, Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair is shaping up to be a must-watch television event. Get ready for more chaotic family fun!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Malcolm in the Middle Revival

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When is the Malcolm in the Middle revival coming out?

The four-episode revival, titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, is expected to debut in December 2026.

Where can I watch the new Malcolm in the Middle episodes?

The revival will be exclusively available to stream on Disney+.

Why isn't Erik Per Sullivan returning as Dewey?

Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey in the original series, retired from acting in 2010 to focus on his academic pursuits and is currently pursuing a Master's degree at Harvard. The role of Dewey has been recast with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark.

Who are the new characters joining the Wilkerson family?

The revival introduces Malcolm's girlfriend Tristan (Kiana Madeira), his daughter Leah (Keeley Karsten), and a new youngest sibling named Kelly (Vaughan Murrae), who is nonbinary.