Erik Per Sullivan, who played the youngest brother Dewey in all seven seasons of Malcolm in the Middle, has stayed completely out of the public eye since the show ended in 2006. Unlike his co-stars, Sullivan hasn’t taken part in reunions, interviews, or social media discussions about the show. He hasn’t appeared in any film or TV projects since 2010’s Twelve, and no official statement has been made by him or his representatives regarding his departure from acting.
Fans hoped for a full cast reunion, but it became clear early in the planning that Sullivan would not be involved. Sources close to the production say that Sullivan was approached but chose not to return. The reasons for his decision are not public, but it’s suggested he wants a private life and is no longer interested in acting. According to Deadline, the role of Dewey was recast because Sullivan has retired from acting. He retired in 2010 and was not expected to return for the reunion series.
Who Is Playing Dewey Now?
With the revival moving forward, 15-year-old Caleb Ellsworth-Clark has been cast as the new Dewey. Ellsworth-Clark has previously appeared in indie projects and streaming series, and casting directors cited his range and quirky energy as a perfect fit for the grown-up version of Dewey.
Producers considered aging the character out entirely but felt Dewey’s inclusion was essential, given his character arc and fan popularity. The recast allows the show to explore an adult version of Dewey who has reportedly become a talented classical musician—a nod to his piano skills in the original series.
How Fans Are Reacting
Fan reactions have been split. On Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), many expressed disappointment at Sullivan’s absence, calling it a “missing piece” of the show’s heart. However, others understand and respect his privacy. The announcement of Ellsworth-Clark has sparked cautious optimism, especially as more behind-the-scenes photos and casting clips have surfaced.
One viral comment summed up the mixed emotions:
“It won’t be the same without Erik, but if anyone can make Dewey shine again, I hope it’s this kid.”
Recasting in Revivals: A Common Trend
Recasting isn’t unusual in television revivals. Below is a table comparing notable recasts in major revival series and how they were received:
| Show | Original Actor | Replacement | Role | Fan Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malcolm in the Middle (2025) | Erik Per Sullivan | Caleb Ellsworth-Clark | Dewey | Mixed to positive |
| That ‘90s Show (2023) | Danny Masterson (omitted) | N/A | Hyde (not recast) | Controversial but accepted |
| Fuller House (2016) | Mary-Kate/Ashley Olsen | Omitted entirely | Michelle Tanner | Negative |
| Fresh Prince Reunion (2020) | Janet Hubert | Daphne Maxwell Reid | Aunt Viv | Initially negative, later reconciled |
Why the Show Still Works Without Sullivan
Malcolm in the Middle was never a one-character show. While Dewey provided memorable moments and a unique voice, the series stood on a foundation of strong ensemble work. Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, and Frankie Muniz have all confirmed their return, with storylines focusing on Malcolm’s life as a father and his unresolved relationship with his genius siblings.
The revival introduces two new characters—Jamie (now a teenager) and Kelly, the youngest child—expanding the Wilkerson family dynamic further. Dewey’s arc as an adult adds emotional weight, but the heart of the show lies in its absurd family chaos and offbeat wisdom.
Will Erik Per Sullivan Ever Return?
While there’s always hope, insiders suggest the door is closed—for now. Sullivan’s name appears in no contracts or upcoming episodes, and creators are moving forward with the story as it stands. If he ever does choose to make a surprise cameo, it would likely be a major moment in the series’ timeline.
Other Characters Who Didn’t Return and How the Show Handles It
Sullivan isn’t the only character absent. Cynthia, Stevie’s dad, and even some extended family members won’t be returning. The show addresses these absences with subtle one-liners or plotlines that reflect real-life changes: moves, marriages, or estrangement.
Writers confirmed that no character will be “killed off” unless essential to the story’s progression. This approach leaves the door open for future cameos while staying respectful to actors who chose not to return.
Fan Reactions: Humor, Nostalgia, and a Dose of Reality
The internet’s reaction to the Dewey recast has been a fascinating mix of memes, mock frustration, and genuine respect for Erik Per Sullivan’s decision to stay retired. On Reddit, one of the top-rated comments jokingly suggested Aaron Paul should play Dewey without explanation, a nod to Bryan Cranston’s iconic Breaking Bad co-star. Others joked that Dewey should have been portrayed like Todd from BoJack Horseman or have his absence explained through increasingly absurd adventures—saving whales, briefly becoming the second-richest man alive, or retiring from racecar driving due to a concussion.
While the comedy side of the fanbase ran wild, others took a more grounded view. A highly upvoted comment read: “Good on EPS for sticking to retirement if he truly doesn’t want to do it. I just can’t imagine anyone else playing Dewey.” It reflects a broader sentiment of bittersweet acceptance. Many respect his exit from public life, even if it’s hard to imagine the show without him.
Caleb Ellsworth-Clark: A Surprisingly Spot-On Casting
Despite initial hesitation, the casting of Caleb Ellsworth-Clark has been surprisingly well received. Several Redditors said he “looks more like Dewey than the actual Dewey does.” Comments like “the recast is perfect” and “uncanny how much this dude gives off Dewey vibes” are common across the conversation. For a character as visually and comedically distinct as Dewey, that’s no small feat.
There’s cautious optimism that Caleb will not only fill the shoes but offer a fresh, grown-up take that still feels true to the essence of the character. This sense of optimism is especially important for fans feeling the weight of nostalgia but still craving new material.
Would It Have Been Better to Write Dewey Off?
Some fans argued that Dewey could have simply been written out. “He could have just drifted off and never looked back,” one suggested. Others offered creative in-universe explanations, like Dewey living a mysterious, untraceable life or being mentioned only through increasingly bizarre anecdotes.
But many fans countered that his absence would leave too big a hole. The family is reuniting for Hal and Lois’ 40th wedding anniversary—leaving out Dewey would seem like a narrative dodge. The producers apparently agreed, deciding that a recast was the lesser of two evils, and judging by early feedback, they made the right call.
Lois and Hal’s New Daughter: A Twist Worth Watching
The reveal that Malcolm has a new youngest sibling, Kelly, caught some fans off guard—even though it was hinted at in the series finale. The character is played by nonbinary actor Vaughan Murrae, and the show is keeping the character’s identity a bit ambiguous, with potential for both comedic and heartfelt moments.
Some commenters speculated that Kelly may be the “golden child” of the family—Lois finally got a daughter after years of raising boys, and it might show. This could also create tension with the older brothers, especially if Kelly appears more privileged or adored.
More Than Just Nostalgia: A Smart Format for a Modern Audience
The revival is just four episodes long, which sparked some confusion and even disappointment. But fans quickly reframed the short run as a strength rather than a flaw. It’s essentially a mini-movie told in chapters—a structure similar to what The Bear did with its award-winning “Fishes” episode.
Some fans speculated that this revival might serve as a test for a future spinoff—possibly centered around Malcolm’s daughter. Others pointed out that the tight format means the writers can stay focused, tell one good story, and avoid filler.
Behind the Scenes: Returning Talent Builds Confidence
One of the most encouraging aspects of the revival is the creative team behind it. A longtime writer from the original show is returning, along with a director who handled 19 episodes of the original run. This consistency matters to fans, many of whom voiced concern about reboots missing the tone or mischaracterizing beloved personalities.
The challenge with revivals is always whether characters regress or evolve. Comments reflected cautious hope that Hal and Lois might now be more relaxed as parents, and the boys—especially Malcolm and Francis—might be the ones struggling with their own issues, roles now reversed.
Speculation: Could This Lead to a Spinoff?
With Malcolm now a father and the introduction of his daughter, some fans are wondering if the revival is testing the waters for a generational handoff. It’s a pattern we’ve already seen with That ’90s Show, which used familiar faces to introduce a new ensemble. If the revival succeeds, Disney+ could explore a continuation featuring Malcolm’s daughter navigating her own chaos—potentially with her dad reluctantly becoming the new “Lois.”
The Bigger Picture: Why Fans Should Still Tune In
While some fans may miss the original Dewey, the recast is part of a broader effort to modernize the series and carry it forward. The tone, humor, and dysfunctional family charm remain intact, and early test screenings suggest the new cast fits in seamlessly. The writing team—largely made up of returning staff—knows the characters inside and out.
As revivals go, Malcolm in the Middle is shaping up to be one of the more thoughtful ones, blending nostalgia with believable character development.
