Much of the original cast ofMalcolm in the Middleis set to grace our TV screens once again this year in the revival for Disney+, but noticeably absent is Erik Per Sullivan, who portrayed Dewey in the original series. He’s been recast to be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark (Wynonna Earp), and now we know the real reason why Sullivan turned down the revival thanks to starBryan Cranston, who says it wasn’t for lack of trying.
Appearing on theFly on the Wallpodcast hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade, Cranston opened up about what it was like to slip back into the role of Hal, the well-meaning and awkward patriarch of the family. Recently,he called it a “rewarding” experience, but elaborated further on the podcast to add: “It’s amazing how these boys who were my boys on that show are now around the same age I was when we first started.” When the subject of the missing Sullivan came up, Cranston mentioned how he had spoken to the now 33-year-old, who had no interest in returning:
“I talked 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.'”
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As to why Sullivan didn’t want to return? Cranston explained: “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 9 or something. So I’m not into it.'”
Whether or not the revival series will address the appearance of Ellsworth-Clark as Dewey in a meta sort of way remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t be surprised. After all, it’s only going to be four episodes, so fans will barely have a chance to get used to him before it’s over. There’s no word yet on if things will continue beyond what we’re given later this year, but if it’s a success, there’s little doubt that the subject of returning for more will at least be broached at some point.
Bryan Cranston Pushed for a ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Revival for “Years”
While it’s nice to finally be able to seewhat became of Malcolm and the gangall these years later, Cranston mentioned that it could have happened sooner if he had his way. TheBreaking Badstar said it was something he had been “pushing for over the last 10 years,” but creator Linwood Boomer was the lone holdout:
“I just started wearing him down until he said, ‘I’ve got an idea.’ I said, ‘Good.'”
In the revival series, we’ll see Malcolm and his daughter being drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal and Lois demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party. Look for all four episodes to land on Disney+ this December, but in the meantime, you can check out all seven seasons of the classic sitcom streaming now on Hulu.
Source:Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade
Malcolm in the Middle
