There is some great news for fans of Malcolm in the Middle. The series, which ran for seven seasons on Fox TV (2000-2006) is getting a four-episode revival on the Disney+ streaming service. The series creator, Linwood Boomer, will write all four new episodes. Returning to their original roles will be Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, and Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek as Hal and Lois, Malcolm's parents.
In the very first episode of the original series, Malcolm is revealed to have a genius IQ, and is placed in a class for gifted students. Malcom is the third child in a hilariously dysfunctional family of four (later five) sons. A fifth son, Jamie, played by James and Lukas Rodriguez, was added to the cast in season four. Hard-working Lois, is a disciplinarian and keeps a watchful eye on her sons.
It seems that Malcom and his family were never given a last name. It's some kind of inside joke. In one episode, when Malcolm was called on stage, the microphone screeched and his last name was covered up. However, the man who introduced Malcom clearly mouthed "Nolastname." On Bryan Cranston's official website, Cranston states that the crew regularly joked among themselves that their last name is really "Nolastname."
The earliest episodes of Malcom in the Middle focus on Malcolm's problems dealing with the pressures of being an intellectual and the challenges presented by his quirky family. His delinquent eldest brother, Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) is sent away to military school. Malcolm remains at home with his two other brothers, Reese (Justin Berfield) and Dewey (Eric Per Sullivan). In the absence of Francis, Malcom becomes the middle child. Hence, the title of the series.
Christopher Kennedy Masterson and Justin Berfield, who played Malcolm's siblings in the original series, are likely to return, although it was not official at the time of this writing. However, Eric Per Sullivan, who played younger brother Dewey, is not expected to return. He retired from acting years ago and hasn't returned for any reunions.
The revival of the series will focus on the 40th wedding anniversary of Malcolm's parents. Here is the official synopsis:
Malcolm (Muniz) and his daughter are drawn into the family’s chaos when Hal (Cranston) and Lois (Kaczmarek) demand his presence for their 40th wedding anniversary party.
SOURCES: Forbes, "Malcom The Middle Reboot Coming To Disney+," by Marc Berman, December 13, 2024; Yahoo Entertainment News, "Malcom in the Middle Revival with Original Cast Coming to Disney+," by Eric Diaz, December 13, 2024; Wikipedia; Internet Movie Database (IMDb)
- Joanne
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