Justin Berfield Explains Dewey’s Decision to Sit Out ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Sequel
Fans of the show Malcolm in the Middle are getting ready for a big reunion, but one famous face will be missing when the new episodes start.
Disney and Hulu are releasing a four-part miniseries called Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair on April 10. The story focuses on Malcolm, played by Frankie Muniz, as he gets ready for the 40th anniversary of his parents, Hal and Lois. While most of the original family is coming back, Erik Per Sullivan, who played the youngest brother Dewey, decided to stay away from the cameras.
Erik has not acted in anything since 2010. He has moved on to a completely different life outside of Hollywood. Justin Berfield, who played the brother Reese, talked about this on The Joe Vulpis Podcast. He said that he still hears from Erik occasionally and that his former co-star is doing great.
Berfield told the podcast, I talked to him, I think it was after my daughter was born. We emailed back and forth. He also mentioned that Erik is in a good place, saying, He’s happy. He’s a good guy. He’s like, really happy though.
First trailer for the ‘MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE’ sequel series
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 29, 2025
Releasing April 10 on Hulu pic.twitter.com/NuKJMDaNVy
Even though the creators of the reboot wanted the original cast to stay together, Erik turned down the chance to play Dewey again. Berfield explained that Erik was offered the role but was very clear about his choice. Berfield said, I know they asked him to be a part of the show, and he was just like, ‘No, I’m done. I’m done with that part of my life’. Because of this, the show had to find someone else for the part, and Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will be taking over as Dewey.
Other cast members have shared more details about what Erik is doing instead of acting. Jane Kaczmarek, who played his mother Lois, told PEOPLE that Erik is actually focusing on his education. She said he has been studying for a Master’s degree in Victorian literature. She told the magazine, I admire it too because so many people think being in show business is the greatest thing in the world. It’s not for everyone.
Bryan Cranston, who played the father Hal, also spoke to Entertainment Weekly about his TV son. He called Erik very smart and mentioned that he was studying at Harvard.
Erik Per Sullivan turned down returning as Dewey in the "Malcolm in the Middle" revival in order to go to Harvard, says Bryan Cranston.
— Variety (@Variety) June 13, 2025
“I talked to Erik and I said, ‘Hey, we got the show! It’s going to come back.’ He goes, ‘Oh, that’s fantastic!’ And I go, ‘Yeah, so we’re… pic.twitter.com/ogBpoJdVGe
Cranston said that Erik was actually very happy to hear the show was coming back, even if he didn’t want to be in it. Cranston recalled their conversation, saying, I talked to Erik, and I said, ‘Hey, we got the show! It’s going to come 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’.
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