The dysfunctional Wilkersons, back together again!
Frankie Muniz is set to reunite with former sitcom parents Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek for a revival of Malcolm in the Middle over at Disney+. The limited four-episode revival from original series creator Linwood Boomer will follow Muniz’s beloved Malcolm, now a father, as he and his daughter are drawn back into his family’s chaos after parents Hal and Lois demand his presence at their 40th wedding anniversary party.
No details yet regarding a premiere date and other returning cast members.
“Malcolm in the Middle is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, in a statement via Deadline. “Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again.”
Saeed Adyani/Fox
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With Boomer once again at the helm, Davis promises “all the laughs, pranks, and mayhem” that fans have come to love — “along with a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless.”
The original Fox sitcom, which aired for seven seasons between 2000 and 2006 and won seven Emmys, centered on the misadventures of middle child and brainiac Malcolm as he came of age alongside brothers Francis (Christopher Masterson), Reese (Justin Berfield), and Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan). Sullivan notably stepped away from acting in 2010, so it’s unclear if he would reprise his fan-favorite role.
Of course, news of the revival comes as no surprise, as Muniz has been teasing the sitcom’s return in recent years. He first revealed it was in the works in 2022, sharing that TV dad Cranston was spearheading “writing the script and getting everything rolling.” Boomer then confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the cast and crew were, in fact, “talking about it.”
“We all think it would be fun if we get the right idea,” he said.
Muniz celebrated the revival with a video featuring his former TV parents shared on social media. “I have been waiting for this moment for 18 years,” said Muniz in the clip. “Let’s find out where Malcolm and his family are now.”
Added Cranston, “25 years since we premiered Malcolm in the Middle. I’m so excited… that I may have peed just a little bit.”
“What a delight that I get to yell at that kid again!” said Kaczmarek. “We’re very, very excited about coming back together and seeing what this family has been up to.”
