Malcolm in the middle reboot snags fresh faces, snubs original dewey

In a move that's equal parts shocking and unsurprising, the upcoming Malcolm in the Middle revival has confirmed the absence of Erik Per Sullivan, who played lovable goofball Dewey in the original series.

Per sullivan turns down lucrative offer to reprise role

According to Jane Kaczmarek, who played the family matriarch Lois, the 34-year-old actor has been too busy pursuing his master's degree at Harvard to consider a return to the show. Despite a reportedly generous offer, Per Sullivan declined, opting instead to focus on his academic pursuits.

This news comes as a surprise, given the efforts to revive the beloved sitcom, which originally aired from 2002 to 2006. The reboot, titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, is set to premiere on Hulu and Disney+ on April 10.

While Per Sullivan won't be part of the revival, the majority of the original cast is indeed returning, including Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Christopher Kennedy Masterson, Justin Berfield, and Kaczmarek herself. Emy Coligado will also reprise her role as Francis' wife Piama.

Newcomers to the cast include Anthony Timpano and Vaughan Murrae as the youngest siblings Jamie and Kelly, respectively. Keeley Karsten will play Malcolm's daughter Leah, while Kiana Madeira takes on the role of his girlfriend Tristan.

Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair centers around Malcolm's (Muniz) return to the family fold when his parents request his presence at their 40th anniversary celebration. The new series promises to deliver the same witty humor and heartfelt moments that made the original a cult classic.