From Beast Diaz To Vampire Victor: 7 Shocking Ways Malachi Barton Has Transformed Since 'Stuck In The Middle'

The Disney Channel era of Stuck in the Middle may have ended in 2018, but for its young stars, the journey was just beginning. Fans looking up Malachi Barton, the actor who brought the mischievous and lovable Beast Diaz to life, will be astonished by his transformation and massive career shift in the years since the show wrapped. As of December 2025, Barton is no longer the little kid pulling elaborate pranks; he is a rising teen star anchoring major new Disney franchises and exploring complex, darker roles.

Malachi Barton’s transition from the chaotic Diaz household to the supernatural world of Disney’s newest hits proves that his comedic timing and screen presence were just the start. His latest projects, including a highly anticipated villain turn in Zombies 4 and a lead role in the new series Coven Academy, solidify his status as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents, moving far beyond his iconic role as the second-youngest Diaz sibling.

Malachi Barton: Full Biography and Filmography Profile

Malachi Daniel Barton is an American actor best known for his work across several major Disney Channel and Disney+ properties. His career began at a young age, quickly establishing him as a versatile performer capable of both comedy and drama.

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• Full Name: Malachi Daniel Barton
• Date of Birth: March 10, 2007
• Age (as of December 2025): 18 years old
• Place of Birth: United States
• Notable Roles: Beast Diaz (Stuck in the Middle), Colby/Flashform (The Villains of Valley View), Marshall (Under Wraps), Victor (Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires).
• Breakthrough Role: Beast Diaz in the Disney Channel sitcom Stuck in the Middle (2016–2018).
• Current Projects (2025): Starring as Victor in the musical fantasy film Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires and a new Disney series, Coven Academy.
• Early Career Appearances: Guest roles in series like Instant Mom, See Dad Run, and Workaholics.

The role of Beast Diaz, the younger twin of Lewie Diaz and the second-youngest child in the massive Diaz family, showcased Barton’s energetic and mischievous side. Beast was known for his inseparable bond with Lewie, their joint schemes, and their often-humorous contribution to the household chaos, making him a fan favorite.

1. The Shocking Leap to the Supernatural: Starring in 'Zombies 4' (2025)

The biggest update in Malachi Barton's career is his starring role as Victor in the highly anticipated 2025 musical film, Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires. This role represents a dramatic shift from the family-friendly sitcom world of *Stuck in the Middle* to a major Disney musical franchise that deals with vampires, werewolves, and zombies.

His character, Victor, is a new addition to the established *Zombies* universe, placing Barton at the center of one of Disney's most commercially successful properties. This move not only expands his acting range but also introduces him to a massive new global audience, proving he can handle the high-energy demands of a singing and dancing role alongside a large ensemble cast. The film is set to be one of the biggest Disney releases of 2025, making Victor a defining role in his post-Diaz family career.

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2. Anchoring a New Disney Series: 'Coven Academy'

In a further demonstration of his rising star power, Malachi Barton is set to lead a brand-new Disney series in 2025 called *Coven Academy*. While specific plot details remain tightly under wraps, a lead role in a new Disney series—especially one with a supernatural or fantasy theme—shows the network's commitment to him as a major talent. This is a significant step up from a supporting role in a large ensemble, positioning him as the central figure of an entire show.

The title suggests a departure from pure comedy into a world of magic, mystery, and perhaps a darker, more mature tone than the lighthearted antics of Beast Diaz. This project, alongside *Zombies 4*, firmly establishes Barton’s specialty in the fantasy-adventure genre, a lucrative path for many young Hollywood actors.

3. The 'Villains of Valley View' Bridge Role

Before his 2025 blockbusters, Barton smoothly transitioned out of *Stuck in the Middle* with a recurring role in another Disney Channel hit, *The Villains of Valley View* (2022–2023). In this series, he played Colby, who later transforms into the superhero Flashform. This role was crucial as a bridge, allowing him to move from a purely comedic character (Beast Diaz) to a character involved in action, special effects, and a more complex, serialized storyline.

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The experience gained in *The Villains of Valley View* was instrumental in preparing him for the larger, more demanding roles he landed in 2025. It demonstrated his ability to handle genre work and marked his first foray into playing a character with superpowers, a far cry from the twin-prankster dynamic of the Diaz family.

4. The Unofficial 'Stuck in the Middle' Reunion: Where the Cast Is Now in 2025

The legacy of *Stuck in the Middle* is not just in Malachi Barton’s success, but in the explosive careers of his former co-stars. The show serves as a launchpad for some of the biggest young names in Hollywood, making the cast’s current status a fascinating point of topical authority:

• Jenna Ortega (Harley Diaz): The undisputed breakout star. After *Stuck in the Middle*, Ortega became a global phenomenon, particularly for her lead role as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series *Wednesday*. As of 2025, she is one of the most sought-after actresses in film and television, with major projects lined up, including *Beetlejuice 2*.
• Ariana Greenblatt (Daphne Diaz): The youngest of the Diaz siblings has also achieved massive success. As of 2025, Greenblatt has starred in major blockbuster films like *Barbie* (as Sasha) and is a prominent figure in the film industry, showcasing incredible range at a young age.
• Isaak Presley (Ethan Diaz): The oldest Diaz brother, Ethan, was played by Isaak Presley. Since the show, Presley has continued his acting career while also pursuing interests in martial arts and music, maintaining a strong social media presence.

The collective success of the *Stuck in the Middle* cast, particularly Barton, Ortega, and Greenblatt, is a rare phenomenon in children's television. It confirms that the show was not just a hit, but a genuine incubator for future A-list talent.

5. The Transformation: From Child Star to Young Adult Actor

Malachi Barton was just nine years old when *Stuck in the Middle* premiered in 2016. By 2025, he is an 18-year-old young adult actor, a transition that is notoriously difficult for many child stars. His career choices, moving quickly into genre-specific roles that require more emotional depth and physical performance (like the musical demands of *Zombies 4*), show a deliberate strategy to shed the "Beast Diaz" image.

This maturity is reflected in the types of roles he is now playing—from a mischievous kid to a vampire, a superhero, and a potential figure in a magical academy. This successful pivot ensures his longevity in the industry, proving he is capable of much more than just Disney Channel comedy.

6. Expanding His Portfolio: Film vs. TV

While Malachi Barton’s early fame came primarily from television, his recent focus has expanded significantly into feature films. His role in the *Zombies* franchise is a major cinematic commitment, following his earlier appearance in the 2019 film *Dora and the Lost City of Gold*. The shift to film allows him to work on different production scales and reach a broader, more diverse audience beyond the cable television demographic.

This dual focus on both a major film franchise and a new television series (*Coven Academy*) is a hallmark of a strategically managed career, ensuring he maintains relevance across different media platforms in 2025 and beyond.

7. The Future: Potential 'Camp Rock 3' and Beyond

Rumors and reports have also linked Malachi Barton to a potential role in a revival or continuation of another iconic Disney musical franchise, *Camp Rock 3*. While unconfirmed, the mere association with the Jonas Brothers' beloved series and his established musical talent from *Zombies 4* suggests that his future lies heavily in major musical and fantasy productions.

Malachi Barton has successfully navigated the transition from beloved Disney child star to a versatile young adult actor. By leveraging the comedic foundation of *Stuck in the Middle* and immediately pivoting to high-profile, genre-defining roles like Victor in *Zombies 4*, he has secured a powerful and exciting career trajectory for the remainder of the decade.