The dysfunctional Wilkersons, back together!
Frankie Muniz is about to reunite with former sitcom parents Brian Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek for a cover of Malcolm in the Middle at Disney+. The limited revival of four episodes from the creator of the original series Linwood Boomer will follow Muniz’s beloved Malcolm, now a father, as he and his daughter are drawn back into the chaos of his family after parents Hal and Lois demand his presence at their 40th wedding anniversary party.
No details yet regarding the premiere date and other returning cast members.
“Malcolm in the Middle is a historic sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, in a statement via Deadline. “Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of an adorably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we are so excited to welcome back the original cast to bring that magic back to life.”
Saeed Adyani/Fox
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With Boomer once again at the helm, Davis promises “all the laughs, pranks and mayhem” that fans love – “plus a few surprises that remind us why this series is so timeless.”
The original Fox sitcom, which aired for seven seasons between 2000 and 2006 and won seven Emmy Awards, centered on the misadventures of middle child and intellectual Malcolm as he came of age alongside the Francis brothers (Christophe Masterson), Reese (Justin Berfield), and Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan). Sullivan notably gave up acting in 2010, so it’s unclear if he would reprise his fan-favorite role.
Of course, the revival news comes as no surprise, since Muniz has teased the sitcom’s return in recent years. He first revealed it was in the works in 2022sharing that the father of television, Cranston, spearheaded “writing the script and making it all roll.” Boomer then confirmed to Weekly Entertainment that the cast and crew were actually talking about it.
“We all think it would be fun if we had the right idea,” he said.
Muniz celebrated the rebirth with a video featuring his former TV parents shared on social media. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for 18 years,” Muniz said in the clip. “Let’s see where Malcolm and his family are now.”
Cranston added: “25 years since the first Malcolm in the Middle. I’m so excited…I might have peed just a little bit.”
“What a pleasure to be able to yell at that kid again!” Kaczmarek said. “We’re very, very excited to come together and see what this family has done.”