Brian Cranston Reveals the Real Reason Erik Per Sullivan Won’t Return for Malcolm in the Middle Reboot
Fans of Malcolm in the Middle were thrilled when news broke that a reboot of the beloved sitcom was in the works. Filming for the revival wrapped in May 2025, and the show is expected to premiere later this year. While most of the original cast members are returning, one key actor is noticeably absent—Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey.
In a June 11 episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast hosted by Dana Carvey and David Spade, Bryan Cranston (who portrayed Hal) revealed why Sullivan chose not to reprise his role.
“He’s the only one who’s not coming back,” Cranston shared. “I talked to Erik, and I said, ‘Hey, we got the show, it’s coming 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.'”
Cranston went on to explain that Sullivan has moved on from acting and is now pursuing higher education. “He’s actually going to Harvard, and he’s a normal person now,” Cranston joked before clarifying, “Well, I don’t think he’s normal normal—he’s really, really smart. I think he’s getting his master’s at Harvard right now.”
Sullivan, who began acting as a child, apparently hasn’t been interested in the craft for years. “He said, ‘Oh God, no. I haven’t acted since I was nine or something, so I’m not into it,'” Cranston recalled with a laugh.
While Dewey’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, fans can still look forward to seeing the rest of the Malcolm family back together when the reboot premieres later this year. As for Erik Per Sullivan? It seems he’s perfectly content with his life off-screen.
Jenifer
