Bryan Cranston has shared his excitement about returning as Hal in the new Malcolm in the Middle revival series, calling the filming experience “so rewarding.”
The upcoming four-episode limited series for Disney+ wrapped filming earlier this month. It comes nearly 20 years after the original show ended in 2006 and is timed to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original hit sitcom.
“Slipping back into that character of Hal for me was so rewarding — I missed him,” Cranston told People. “It’s been almost 20 years since we said goodbye. And he’s a sweet, lovable man. It was fun to see my whole family back together.”
Cranston, known for his Emmy-winning role in Breaking Bad, also joked about his character’s iconic look. “It’s a short-sleeve shirt that Hal would wear — a patterned shirt that screams out he’s not going anywhere.”
The new revival follows Malcolm, played again by Frankie Muniz, as he returns to his chaotic family’s orbit when his parents, Hal and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek), ask him to attend their 40th wedding anniversary. The story also introduces Malcolm’s daughter, played by Keeley Karsten.
Original cast members Christopher Masterson (Francis) and Justin Berfield (Reese) return, while Caleb Ellsworth-Clark takes over the role of Dewey. The original Dewey actor, Erik Per Sullivan, left acting years ago and did not return for the revival.
Other new cast members include Kiana Madeira as Malcolm’s girlfriend, Anthony Timpano as Jamie, and Vaughan Murrae as the nonbinary youngest sibling Kelly, who was first hinted at in the original series finale.
Muniz also reflected on the experience, saying, “It felt like stepping back into Malcolm’s wild world, but with even more love and chaos. Reuniting with the cast and laughing together felt like a dream.”
The original Malcolm in the Middle aired from 2000 to 2006 on Fox. It won seven Emmys, a Grammy, and a Peabody Award, and was praised for its clever writing, fast-paced editing, and fresh take on family sitcoms.
