Dewey Malcolm in the Middle: When Disney+ revealed that Malcolm in the Middle would be returning, fans were happy, but one important character will look drastically different. Since original star Erik Per Sullivan has permanently left Hollywood, a new actor will play Dewey, the naughty youngest Wilkerson brother.
Who is Dewey Malcolm?
The younger brother in the Malcolm in the Middle television series (2000–2006) is named Dewey Malcolm. Dewey, who was portrayed by actor Erik Per Sullivan, was well-known for his deadpan humor, quirky insights, and surprising skills (such as his secret piano prowess).
- Full Name: Dewey Wilkerson (not “Malcolm”; Malcolm is his older brother)
- Role: The youngest sibling in the tumultuous Wilkerson family, sly but perceptive.
- Actor: Erik Per Sullivan, who studied Victorian literature after retiring from acting in 2010.
- Reboot: Actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will play Dewey in the upcoming Disney+ reboot. Among Dewey’s most famous incidents are becoming friends with a cockroach (“I named him Gregor!”).
Leading an uprising in kindergarten (“You’re not the boss of me now!”).
Despite being the “forgotten” middle kid, he outsmarts his family.
Why Dewey’s Absence Matters
Dewey was a fan favorite because of his deadpan humor, surprising intelligence, and eccentric actions; he wasn’t simply another sibling in the crazy Wilkerson household. It’s a bold move to recast such a legendary part, indicating that this revival is more than a nostalgia trip and represents a new direction for the popular series.
Erik Per Sullivan’s Life After Acting
Sullivan quit acting in 2010 and never looked back, in contrast to many child stars who cling to their popularity. He just lost interest in Hollywood and turned to academia, according to Jane Kaczmarek (Lois). As evidence that happiness isn’t always found in the spotlight, he is currently a student of Victorian literature at one of the best universities in the United States.
Meet the New Dewey
Rising actor Caleb Ellsworth-Clark (Fargo, The Expanse) is stepping into Dewey’s footsteps, but he has huge shoes to fill. With fresh comic and tragic perspectives, the resurrection will examine Dewey as an adult. However, will fans embrace a new look for such a cherished character?
What This Means for the Revival
While nostalgia is guaranteed by the return of Frankie Muniz (Malcolm), Bryan Cranston (Hal), and the majority of the original ensemble, Dewey’s recasting points to ambitious creative decisions in the future. With the addition of contemporary family issues from Malcolm’s daughter and her lover, the program has to strike a balance between its timeless appeal and innovative narrative.
FAQs
1. Why isn’t Erik Per Sullivan returning?
He retired from acting in 2010 and is now pursuing academia.
2. Who’s playing Dewey now?
Caleb Ellsworth-Clark (Fargo, The Expanse).
3. When does the revival air?
Disney+ has yet to announce a release date.
4. Will fans accept a new Dewey?
Only time will tell—but it’s a gamble that could redefine the revival.
5. What happened to Dewey Malcolm?
In 2010, Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle, announced his retirement from acting. He left Hollywood to become a scholar, and he is currently enrolled in a university to study Victorian literature. Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will replace Dewey in the Disney+ revival.
6. What is Dewey’s real name?
The actor who played Dewey Wilkerson in Malcolm in the Middle is Erik Per Sullivan (born July 12, 1991).
7. What is the name of Dewey’s dog?
Marshmallow
The success of the resurrection will rely on its ability to respect the past while adapting to a new age, even though losing the original Dewey is bittersweet. Are you going to watch? Tell us in the comments below!
