‘Malcolm in the Middle’ revival recasts Dewey, and fans are taking it personally

The hit TV show Malcolm in the Middle is set to return, but there's one major change. Dewey, who was originally played by Erik Per Sullivan, will instead be played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. As Variety reports, Erik Per Sullivan has retired from acting. The series will stream on Disney+, with majority of the original cast returning.

Frankie Muniz returns as Malcolm, as do Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek playing Malcolm's parents, Hal and Lois. Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield return as Malcolm's brothers, Francis and Reese.

The revamp was originally conceived as a two-hour film but has since been made into a four-episode series titled The Wilkersons. It will see Malcolm as an adult, balancing family life, as he copes with his parents' insistence that he returns for their 40th wedding anniversary.

Malcolm in the Middle buffs are unhappy about the revival and maintain that the show already blundered by failing to renew Erik Per Sullivan to play Dewey.

Sure, Caleb Ellsworth-Clark looks very similar to Erik, but a huge section of the audience is still not pleased about this alteration and declares firmly that they will not watch until the actual Dewey returns.

Social media is abuzz with the million-dollar question — why?

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Social media reacts to the revival of Malcolm in the Middle

Malcolm in the Middle fans just want to know whyyy!

Some have even resorted to Dewey's classic quotes to express their disappointment. It's the perfect situation to revive his most iconic lines, and fans aren't shy!

Staying true to the most asked question, user @jon_palmer4133 asked:

"Why???"

Never has there been a more perfect opportunity to use this dialogue of Dewey:

"I expect nothing and I'm stil let down."

Another user, @MovieManKev, found an excellent opportunity to incorporate yet another iconic dialogue:

"So was Erik Per Sullivan invited back? Did he tell them "you're not the boss of me now"??"

Some disappointed fans felt if they could not get all the original cast members back, they should have left the show alone. Others think this is not a good beginning for such a well-loved revival and have even stated that they will not watch.

A user, @yipfella, commented:

"Dewey getting recast? This revival already on thin ice 😭"

Another user, @MrPeachUK, noted:

"He was one of the best characters in it. Not a good start."

User thec0med1an said:

"I'm not gonna lie that's disappointing to hear."

Somehow, this iconic GIF makes its way to every conversation:

User @sleepybuscemi straight-up declared:

"Malcolm in the middle reboot having to recast Dewey makes it seem like they should just can the entire thing."

A few people are skeptical of revivals altogether, asking why Hollywood consistently reboots old shows rather than coming up with something new.

They mention that most revivals haven't done justice to the original and that this one could be no exception. Netizens have begun roasting Hollywood for running out of ideas.

User @overall_webx said:

"Name a revival TV series that has truly succeeded. For example, 'The X-Files' returned in 2016 with Season 10, earning a 65% score on RT. It's the 'nostalgia' feeling trap."

Another user, @eyezonkelan, mentioned:

"why recreate when birthing a new potential classic is possible... the laziness in the industry is krazy."

Malcolm in the Middle premiered in 2000 and ran until 2006, and it received seven Primetime Emmy Awards. One of the things that made the show unique was that Malcolm would frequently break the fourth wall. The show was known for its blend of humor and touching family moments.

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