‘Malcolm in the Middle’ Revival Star Caleb Ellsworth-Clark Feared Fans Would Be ‘Disappointed’ He Was Taking Over Dewey Role: ‘Didn’t Want to F— That Up’
Caleb Ellsworth-Clark knew stepping into the role of Dewey in the “Malcolm in the Middle” revival came with pressure — especially for a character so closely associated with Erik Per Sullivan.
In the Hulu revival, “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair,” Ellsworth-Clark joins a returning ensemble that includes Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, alongside Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield. But taking on Dewey — one of the original series’ most beloved characters — came with a distinct sense of responsibility.
“I grew up watching the show,” Ellsworth-Clark told People. “I know that Dewey was a fan favorite, but he was also a personal favorite. And I think I was aware that maybe people might be disappointed Erik wasn’t gonna come back and do the show. I guess I didn’t want to fuck that up.”
The actor said he felt immediate nerves heading into production, admitting he was “really, really nervous showing up” to set. Still, those concerns quickly eased thanks to the returning cast. “They were so warm and welcoming,” he said. “I was really scared to show up but they all took such great care of me and made me feel like I belong. So I am really grateful to all of them,” he added in the same interview.
Ellsworth-Clark also revisited episodes of the original series to prepare, noting his affection for classic Dewey storylines — including one involving a purse filled with bricks — as he worked to capture the character’s offbeat charm.
Sullivan ultimately declined to return for the revival, with Cranston previously sharing that the former actor has shifted his focus to academics. The new installment picks up years later, with Malcolm now an adult and a father who has kept his distance from his chaotic family — until Hal and Lois pull him back in for a milestone anniversary celebration.
All episodes of “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair” are now streaming on Hulu.
In the Hulu revival, “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair,” Ellsworth-Clark joins a returning ensemble that includes Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, alongside Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield. But taking on Dewey — one of the original series’ most beloved characters — came with a distinct sense of responsibility.
“I grew up watching the show,” Ellsworth-Clark told People. “I know that Dewey was a fan favorite, but he was also a personal favorite. And I think I was aware that maybe people might be disappointed Erik wasn’t gonna come back and do the show. I guess I didn’t want to fuck that up.”
The actor said he felt immediate nerves heading into production, admitting he was “really, really nervous showing up” to set. Still, those concerns quickly eased thanks to the returning cast. “They were so warm and welcoming,” he said. “I was really scared to show up but they all took such great care of me and made me feel like I belong. So I am really grateful to all of them,” he added in the same interview.
Ellsworth-Clark also revisited episodes of the original series to prepare, noting his affection for classic Dewey storylines — including one involving a purse filled with bricks — as he worked to capture the character’s offbeat charm.
Sullivan ultimately declined to return for the revival, with Cranston previously sharing that the former actor has shifted his focus to academics. The new installment picks up years later, with Malcolm now an adult and a father who has kept his distance from his chaotic family — until Hal and Lois pull him back in for a milestone anniversary celebration.
All episodes of “Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair” are now streaming on Hulu.