Bryan Cranston expressed his excitement about reuniting with his Malcolm in the Middle family for a long-awaited revival series nearly two decades after the original show went off the air. However, this reunion came with a touch of bittersweetness as not all cast members were able to return. During a recent episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast, hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade, Cranston shared his thoughts on the upcoming Disney+ project.
Cranston reminisced about the days when the young actors from the show were just kids, saying, "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, and they've got children of their own." This reflection highlights the passage of time and the growth of the cast members since the original airing of Malcolm in the Middle.
When David Spade inquired about Erik Per Sullivan, who played the youngest son Dewey, Cranston expressed disappointment that Sullivan would not be returning for the revival. "I talked to Eric 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,'" Cranston revealed. This exchange underscores the differing paths taken by the show's stars, with most continuing in the entertainment industry while Sullivan has chosen a more academic route.
Cranston elaborated on Sullivan's new chapter, stating, "He's actually going to Harvard. He's really, really smart, and he's getting his master's at Harvard right now." This impressive academic achievement highlights Sullivan's decision to step away from acting, as he mentioned, "Oh God, no, I haven't acted since I was 9 or something. So I'm not into it."
Malcolm in the Middle aired from 2000 to 2006 on Fox, capturing audiences with its unique take on family dynamics and dysfunctional relationships. The show not only launched the careers of stars like Muniz, Cranston, and Jane Kaczmarek but also received critical acclaim, winning seven Emmys. Fans have long clamored for a reboot or revival, and Cranston has been at the forefront of that push, stating, "It's something I was pushing for for the last 10 years because I thought that the audience is there."
Cranston shared that it took years of discussions with the show's creator, Linwood Boomer, to bring the revival to fruition. "I just started wearing him down until he said, 'I've got an idea.' I said, 'good,'" he quipped. This determination illustrates Cranston's commitment to reuniting the beloved cast and bringing the characters back to life for fans.
Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Frankie Muniz, Christopher Masterson, and Justin Berfield would reprise their roles as Malcolm, Francis, and Reese, respectively. The role of Dewey will be taken over by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, known for his work on Wynonna Earp. Muniz stirred excitement among fans by sharing a cheerful photo with Cranston and Kaczmarek, hinting at the revival's potential. Despite his playful criticism of his character, Muniz expressed genuine enthusiasm for the project, stating he is "really excited for fans to finally catch up with their favorite TV family."
For fans eager to hear more, you can listen to Bryan Cranston's full appearance on the Fly on the Wall podcast, available now.
