Disney+ is set to revive the beloved comedy series “Malcolm in the Middle” with a four-episode limited series marking the show’s 25th anniversary, featuring original star Frankie Muniz returning to the role that launched his career.
The upcoming series will follow a grown-up Malcolm, now married with a daughter, who becomes reconnected with his family during his parents’ 40th wedding anniversary celebration. Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek will reprise their roles as Malcolm’s parents, Hal and Lois.
Muniz, who has since pursued interests like NASCAR racing, surprised fans with candid insights about his character. In a recent interview with People magazine, he admitted to viewing Malcolm as “the worst character” after watching the entire series with his wife, Paige.
“She looked at me and said, ‘You weren’t acting at all. You are literally Malcolm,'” Muniz recalled. “And I’m like, ‘I don’t know how to take that because Malcolm sucked.'”
Despite his critical view, Muniz expressed excitement about reuniting with the original cast and creative team. Discussions about a reboot have been ongoing for a decade, with Muniz and Cranston leading the conversations.
The original series, which aired from 2000 to 2006 on Fox, was a critical and commercial success. It earned seven Emmy Awards, a Grammy, and a Peabody Award for its innovative portrayal of a gifted teenager’s chaotic family life.
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Working with series creator Linwood Boomer and director Ken Kwapis during pre-production, Muniz found the experience surprisingly familiar. “It was so weird to go back and be with Linwood Boomer and Ken Kwapis, and be back in that mindset,” he said. “Oddly, it was right at home.”
The revival is scheduled to debut on Disney+ to coincide with the show’s original premiere date of January 9, 2000, promising fans a nostalgic return to the beloved dysfunctional family comedy.
