Why Erik Per Sullivan declined the Malcolm in the Middle revival, according to Bryan Cranston

As the beloved sitcom Malcolm in the Middle prepares for a long-awaited revival, one familiar face will be notably absent: Erik Per Sullivan, who played youngest brother Dewey. Bryan Cranston recently revealed why the former child actor chose not to return — and why he completely supports his decision.

A long-awaited family reunion — almost

Bryan Cranston is beaming with excitement over the upcoming Malcolm in the Middle revival. The Emmy-winning actor, who famously played the hilariously over-the-top father Hal, shared his enthusiasm during a recent appearance on the Fly on the Wall podcast with Dana Carvey and David Spade. The new series is set to stream on Disney+, reuniting most of the original cast nearly two decades after the show’s original run on Fox ended in 2006.

But as Cranston discussed the reunion, he couldn’t help but note the absence of one key member of the show’s original TV family: Erik Per Sullivan, who portrayed the endearingly odd youngest son, Dewey. “He’s the only one who didn’t come back to act in the show,” Cranston told the hosts. The absence, however, wasn’t due to bad blood or scheduling conflicts — Sullivan simply took a different path in life.

From sitcom star to Harvard scholar

Cranston revealed that he had personally reached out to Sullivan to invite him back for the project. “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.’”

Sullivan, now in his early 30s, has left acting behind entirely — and with good reason. “He’s actually going to Harvard,” Cranston said proudly. “He’s really, really smart, and he’s getting his master’s at Harvard right now.” According to Cranston, Sullivan hasn’t acted since childhood and simply isn’t interested in revisiting that chapter of his life.

The decision makes sense for a former child star who’s been largely off the public radar since Malcolm wrapped. Sullivan’s last screen credit was in the 2010 film Twelve, and he has since led a notably private life. For fans, his absence will be felt — but there’s a certain charm in knowing Dewey grew up and pursued something completely outside the industry.

The journey back to Malcolm

The revival itself has been years in the making. Malcolm in the Middle, which aired from 2000 to 2006, was a critical and commercial hit, praised for its fresh approach to family comedy and its blend of absurdity and heart. It won seven Emmy Awards and made household names out of its cast, particularly Cranston and Frankie Muniz.

Cranston admitted that he’d been advocating for a reboot for over a decade. “It’s something I was pushing for for the last 10 years, because I thought that the audience is there,” he said. “I just started wearing [creator Linwood Boomer] down until he said, ‘I’ve got an idea.’ I said, ‘Good.’”

The original cast — minus Sullivan — is largely back in place. Muniz will return as Malcolm, along with Christopher Masterson as the rebellious Francis and Justin Berfield as chaotic middle brother Reese. Jane Kaczmarek is also reprising her iconic role as the family’s no-nonsense matriarch, Lois. To fill the Dewey-sized hole in the family portrait, the revival has cast Wynonna Earp alum Caleb Ellsworth-Clark in the role — a move that signals the new series may blend legacy with reinvention.

A new chapter, a new Dewey

While Sullivan’s absence may come as a disappointment to some die-hard fans, his decision underscores a broader truth about Hollywood reunions: not everyone is interested in reliving their past. And for someone like Sullivan, whose time on screen ended before adulthood even began, that boundary is especially understandable.

Cranston, for his part, expressed nothing but admiration for Sullivan’s new path. “He hasn’t acted since he was 9 or something. So I’m not into it,” Cranston recalled him saying — a simple, self-assured statement that reflects how far Sullivan has come from his early fame.

Meanwhile, Muniz has kept fans buzzing with hints about what’s to come. In April, he posted a smiling reunion photo with Cranston and Kaczmarek, reigniting speculation and excitement online. Though he’s joked that Malcolm was “the worst character on that show,” Muniz is visibly thrilled to reconnect with the Malcolm universe. “I’m really excited,” he said, hinting that the revival will offer fans a satisfying continuation of the beloved family’s story.

Dewey’s legacy lives on

Even without Sullivan, the Malcolm in the Middle revival carries a sense of full-circle joy — a testament to the show’s enduring appeal and the deep affection its cast and audience still feel. Dewey, in his own way, has become a symbol of that nostalgic connection — and his legacy is intact, regardless of who wears the shoes next.

As for Erik Per Sullivan, his journey from child actor to Ivy League academic may not play out on screen, but it’s a narrative just as compelling. In the world of sitcom reboots, where so many return chasing lost glory, his choice stands as a rare and refreshing act of quiet reinvention.

You can listen to Bryan Cranston’s full interview on the Fly on the Wall podcast, available now.