Where Are They Now? The Shocking New Lives Of The 'Malcolm In The Middle' Cast (2025 Updates)

It has been nearly two decades since Malcolm in the Middle concluded, but the chaotic, brilliant, and deeply relatable Wilkerson family remains one of television's most iconic sitcom ensembles. The show, which ran from 2000 to 2006, launched the careers of its young stars and gave a second life to seasoned actors like Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek.

As of December 2025, the cast's lives have taken some truly unexpected turns, from a full-time professional racing career to major roles in upcoming Netflix and Hollywood projects. The biggest news? A long-rumored revival is officially in the works, bringing many of the beloved family members back together. Here is the definitive, up-to-the-minute look at what the cast of Malcolm in the Middle is doing now, their latest projects, and who is returning for the highly anticipated reboot.

The Complete 'Malcolm in the Middle' Cast Biography & Profile

A look at the actors who brought the dysfunctional Wilkerson family to life:

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• Bryan Cranston (Hal Wilkerson)
  • Full Name: Bryan Lee Cranston
  • Born: March 7, 1956, in Hollywood, California, U.S.
  • Role: The loving, immature, and often shirtless father, Hal.
• Jane Kaczmarek (Lois Wilkerson)
  • Full Name: Jane Frances Kaczmarek
  • Born: December 21, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
  • Role: The strict, overbearing, and iconic matriarch, Lois.
• Christopher Masterson (Francis Wilkerson)
  • Full Name: Christopher Kennedy Masterson
  • Born: January 22, 1980, in Long Island, New York, U.S.
  • Role: The eldest and most rebellious son, Francis.
• Justin Berfield (Reese Wilkerson)
  • Full Name: Justin Tyler Berfield
  • Born: February 25, 1986, in Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
  • Role: The dim-witted, aggressive, and food-obsessed second son, Reese.
• Frankie Muniz (Malcolm Wilkerson)
  • Full Name: Francisco Muniz IV
  • Born: December 5, 1985, in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Role: The titular child genius and middle son, Malcolm.
• Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey Wilkerson)
  • Full Name: Erik Per Sullivan
  • Born: July 12, 1991, in Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.
  • Role: The eccentric, highly intelligent, and often overlooked youngest son, Dewey.

From Child Star to NASCAR Driver: The Surprising New Path of Frankie Muniz

While many expected the star of the show, Frankie Muniz, to continue his trajectory as a leading Hollywood actor, his career has taken a sharp detour into professional motorsports.

Frankie Muniz: Full-Time Racer and Reboot Star

Frankie Muniz, who played the titular child genius, has embraced a full-time career as a professional stock car racing driver.

The biggest news for 2025 is his commitment to the track. Muniz has announced plans to run the full season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) in 2025, partnering with Reaume Brothers Racing.

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This commitment to racing is his primary focus, solidifying his transition from "child star" to a serious athlete in the racing world.

However, the acting bug hasn't completely left him. Muniz has also confirmed that he will be reprising his role as Malcolm in the highly anticipated Malcolm in the Middle revival/reboot, proving he can balance both the fast-paced world of NASCAR and the return to his sitcom roots.

The Parents: Oscar Winners, Netflix Sci-Fi, and the Revival Status

The on-screen parents, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, have had arguably the most successful post-show careers, with Cranston becoming an Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning powerhouse and Kaczmarek continuing her strong run in television and theater.

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Bryan Cranston: The Post-Breaking Bad Empire

Following his iconic turn as Walter White in Breaking Bad, Bryan Cranston's career has flourished. He is one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood, constantly balancing film, television, and stage work.

His upcoming slate for 2025 is busy, including a confirmed role in the Wes Anderson film The Phoenician Scheme.

Other rumored or upcoming projects include the films HEISENBERG and EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BE GREAT, showing his continued presence in high-profile dramatic roles.

Cranston has been a vocal proponent of a Malcolm in the Middle revival, with reports indicating he is heavily involved in bringing the project to life.

Jane Kaczmarek: Joining the Duffer Brothers' Universe

Jane Kaczmarek, known for her formidable portrayal of Lois, has maintained a steady and respected acting career, including stage work and television roles.

Most recently, she co-starred in the Apple TV+ limited series The Changeling.

Crucially, Kaczmarek has been cast in The Boroughs, a new Netflix supernatural sci-fi series executive produced by Ross and Matt Duffer, the creators of Stranger Things.

This major role on a high-profile streaming project ensures her relevance in the modern television landscape. She is also expected to return for the Malcolm in the Middle revival, which would see the reunion of TV's most memorable chaotic couple, Lois and Hal.

The Brothers: Producing, DJing, and the Reclusive Genius

The actors who played the three older brothers—Francis, Reese, and Dewey—have taken the most diverse career paths, ranging from behind-the-scenes work to complete retirement.

Christopher Masterson (Francis): The DJ Chris Kennedy

Christopher Masterson, who played the oldest brother Francis, has largely stepped away from traditional acting roles, though he is confirmed to return for the revival.

His primary creative outlet today is music. Masterson is a professional disc jockey (DJ) who performs under the name DJ Chris Kennedy (Kennedy being his middle name).

He has played sets at major music festivals and venues, successfully transitioning his career into the electronic music scene.

Justin Berfield (Reese): The Hollywood Producer

Justin Berfield, who portrayed the violent but hilarious Reese, has been working almost exclusively behind the camera since 2005.

He is a successful writer and producer, co-founding the production company J2 Pictures and being active in the industry for nearly two decades.

His return to acting for the upcoming revival of Malcolm in the Middle marks his first major on-screen role since the show ended, demonstrating his loyalty to the franchise that launched his career.

Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey): The Reclusive Academic

Erik Per Sullivan, who played the youngest brother, Dewey, has chosen the most private path. His last acting credit was in 2010, and he has since retired from the entertainment industry entirely.

Per Sullivan attended the University of Southern California and is reportedly pursuing a career in academia, currently as a graduate student.

He has consistently avoided cast reunions and public appearances, and while there was a recent public sighting of him in April 2025, his involvement in the upcoming Malcolm in the Middle reboot remains highly unlikely, with many fans speculating his character may be written out or recast.

The Malcolm in the Middle Revival: What We Know

The most compelling news for fans is the confirmed development of a Malcolm in the Middle revival. The project is reportedly being spearheaded by Bryan Cranston and Frankie Muniz.

The revival is expected to pick up years after the original series finale, showing the Wilkerson family dealing with new challenges in their adult lives.

As of late 2025, the confirmed returning cast members include Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson, and Justin Berfield.

The absence of Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey) is the main question mark, but the return of the core family unit is enough to generate massive excitement for one of the most anticipated sitcom reboots in recent memory. The project is currently in development, with a potential release on a major streaming platform like Disney+.