Caleb Ellsworth-Clarke knew there would be pressure to step into the role of Dewey in the Malcolm in the Middle revival — especially for a role so closely associated with Eric Perr Sullivan.
In Hulu’s revival of Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, Ellsworth-Clark joins Christopher Masterson and Justin Barfield in a returning ensemble that includes Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek. But playing Dewey, one of the original series’ most beloved characters, came with a distinct sense of responsibility.
“I grew up watching this show,” Ellsworth-Clark told People. “I know Dewey was a fan favorite, but he was also a personal favorite. And I think we also knew that people were probably going to be disappointed that Eric wasn’t going to come back and do the show. I think we didn’t want to mess that up.”
The actor said he felt nervous right away leading up to filming, admitting that he was “really, really nervous” coming to the set. Still, those concerns were quickly put to rest thanks to the returning cast. “They were very warm and welcoming,” he said. “I was really scared to come to the venue, but you all cared so much and made me feel like I belonged. So I’m really grateful to you all,” he added in the same interview.
Ellsworth-Clark also revisited episodes of the original series in preparation, noting his love for classic Dewey storylines (such as the one about a purse full of bricks) while striving to capture the character’s quirky charm.
Sullivan ultimately declined to return to the role, but Cranston previously revealed that Sullivan had shifted his focus to academics. The new film takes place several years later, with Malcolm now an adult and a father who has distanced himself from his family in turmoil – until Hal and Lois pull him back in to celebrate a milestone anniversary.
All episodes of “Malcolm in the Middle: Life Isn’t Fair” are now available on Hulu.
