Nation rejoices as Disney+ announces Malcolm in the Middle revival

Disney+ announced a four-episode limited series return of the classic family sitcom will premiere on the streamer in January 2025--coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the original show's premiere on FOX. Fans of the “Wilkerson” family are thrilled...including those who didn’t realize that Malcolm and his family were given a last name. (It’s revealed in a deleted scene from season one) You can also see it here.

Rumor has it, the Malcolm in the Middle revival will focus on parents Hal (Bryan Cranston before he broke bad) and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) will be in attendance with his as-yet uncast wife and daughter. It would make sense for all the Wilkerson kids to attend. So far though, no word on whether Christopher Masterson (oldest son Francis), Justin Berfield (other middle-ish child Reece), or Erik Per Sullivan (youngest son  Dewey) will appear. We suspect Jamie will be recast.

The odds are against Dewey returning since Erik Per Sullivan has been absent from all the previous reunion events. Shame, since Dewey’s casual genius and flippant displays of brain-breaking wisdom created a lot of fan-favorite moments.

Landing Cranston, Muniz, and Kaczmarek for a limited series is a coup for Disney+, who is no stranger to casting coups. Shows like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Loki demonstrate—even lauded, sought-after actors will show up for TV if the script is compelling enough.

On that note--Frankie Muniz told Entertainment Weekly in 2022 Cranston will be taking the lead in the writer’s room for the revival.

A limited series makes more sense for the returning cast than a longer run. Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmareck, and Frankie Muniz have all been staying busy in recent years. Muniz isn’t just appearing in gems like Sharknado 3: Oh, Hell No! He’s been making a name for himself in the world of NASCAR.

Speculation abounds as to what other characters we may see when the show premieres in January 2025. Can we expect any Krelboynes to appear? Stevie maybe? Lois’s old boss Craig should show up to wish the couple well. It would be really cool if Christopher Lloyd returned as Hal’s dad. This revival promises to be at least as prestigious as Spirit Halloween.