‘Malcolm in the Middle’ cast returns after 20 years for reboot — see the iconic characters then and now
America's favorite working-class family will soon make a comeback. Almost the entire cast of the original 'Malcolm in the Middle' series is set to return for the revival titled 'Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair.' The four-part reboot is set to release on Hulu and Disney+ on April 10, 2026, and it will star Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, Bryan Cranston as Hal, Christopher Masterson as Francis, and Justin Berfield as Reese, among others. Before diving back into the messy lives of the dysfunctional Wilkersons, here's a look at how the iconic characters, who entertained the masses for seven years, have changed over time.
Bryan Cranston as Hal
Long before Bryan Cranston was terrifying the streets of New Mexico as a drug kingpin in 'Breaking Bad,' he was playing the clumsy but lovable patriarch of the family in 'Malcolm in the Middle.' Hal held a job as a low-level worker in a scandal-ridden company. He was as inept in his personal life as he was in his professional endeavors, with an unhealthy amount of dependence on Lois. Cranston was nominated three times for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Hal. As per the show's logline, the revival's events kickstart when Hal and Lois demand that Malcolm, their now distant son, come to their 40th anniversary party. In the trailer, it is evident that nothing has changed. Hal is still unabashed with his emotions, leading to several awkward situations. Bryan Cranston, with this long-awaited revival, is returning to his comedic roots after several years of playing dramatic roles like Walter White.
Jane Kaczmarek as Lois
Lois was the overbearing matriarch who spent much of her time keeping her children and husband in line. Jane Kaczmarek garnered three Golden Globe nominations and seven Primetime Emmy nominations for her role as an often vengeful mother when it came to defending her children. The trailer finds her character in the same position where audiences had left her almost two decades ago. She is still tending to her husband’s needs, much to the dismay of her children. It is quite evident that she might be on the verge of another breakdown, like she often was in the original show, due to her family. Since 'Malcolm in the Middle' went off the air, Kaczmarek has been regularly appearing on the small screen in a myriad of roles, the most significant of which is undoubtedly Judge Constance Harm in 'The Simpsons.'
Frankie Muniz as Malcolm
Frankie Muniz, during his run as the titular character from 2000 to 2006, became somewhat of a teen heartthrob. Malcolm, despite being the highly intelligent middle child of the family, often acted as the ringleader of schemes that got him and his brothers into trouble. At the end of the series, he set out to attend Harvard University, on his way to achieving his mother's dream of becoming the President of the United States of America. The trailer suggests that the dream has not come true, but he is happy with where life has taken him. He now lives a peaceful life with his girlfriend, Tristan, and daughter, Leah. However, he is pulled into the chaos again because of his parents' request. After 2008, Muniz stepped back from acting to enjoy a racing career. He is still active in that arena, but has since made a slow and steady return to the screen as well, with roles in movies like 'The Black String' and 'Half Baked: Totally High.'
Christopher Kennedy Masterson as Francis
The eldest son of the family, Francis, wreaked havoc at home with his rebellious nature and constant troublemaking. Throughout the show's run, he shared a contentious relationship with his mother, but ironically married a woman with a similar personality to Lois. His appearances reduced after Season 5, as the character traveled across the country. Francis was last seen in a stable job at a good company, but was still lying to his mother about being unemployed, simply to get on her nerves. Francis will now return in the revival as a main character, along with his wife Piama. Since 2019, Christopher Masterson has distanced himself from acting, with his last big screen project being 'Beneath the Leaves.' However, his personal life has been in the spotlight due to his Scientology connections and the turbulent life of his brother, Danny Masterson.
Justin Berfield as Reese
Reese was often taken advantage of by his brothers and other people. He intentionally failed high school multiple times during the show's run. It is implied that he did so because he was afraid of the unknown. The show ended with him finally graduating and taking up the job of a school custodian. He also discovered his culinary passions, which may have shaped his future career. Berfield returns for the revival and is seen in the trailer wreaking havoc as if no time has passed. After the show's initial run came to an end, Berfield took up the role of Chief Creative Officer of Virgin Produced, a film production company by Virgin Group.
Erik Per Sullivan as Dewey
Dewey spent seven seasons tormented by the devious actions of his older brothers. It was revealed on the show that he had developed a high pain tolerance because of being constantly targeted by his brothers. After the arrival of his younger brother Jamie, Dewey decided to break the abusive cycle and became a lovable elder brother. Sullivan will not return for the revival, with reports suggesting that he is busy studying for his master’s degree. The character will be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark in the reboot, which will also star Anthony Timpano, Vaughan Murrae, Keeley Karsten, and Kiana Madeira in various roles.
