Bryan Cranston Reveals What He Loves About the Malcolm in the Middle Revival and Why He ‘Missed’ Playing Hal (Exclusive)
3 min read
Bryan Cranston reflects on stepping back into the role of Hal in the Malcolm in the Middle revival and reuniting with his on-screen family after nearly two decades.
Bryan Cranston is stepping back into one of his most beloved roles as Malcolm in the Middle returns for a special revival series on Disney+. Known for his portrayal of the goofy and endearing father Hal, Cranston says the experience of returning to the character after almost 20 years was deeply rewarding.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at the May 21 For Your Consideration (FYC) event for his new AppleTV+ show The Studio, the 69-year-old actor shared his excitement and nostalgia for the reboot.
“Slipping back into that character of Hal for me was so rewarding — I missed him,” Cranston said. “It’s been almost 20 years since we said goodbye. And he’s a sweet, lovable man. He’s really a lovable guy, and it was fun to see my whole family back together. It was great.”
The original Malcolm in the Middle sitcom aired from 2000 to 2006, spanning seven seasons. The show, which helped shape modern single-camera comedy, was known for its sharp humor, chaotic family dynamics, and unique visual style. Its influence has stretched across generations, even being referenced in pop culture hits like Breaking Bad and WandaVision.
Now, the beloved series is being revived as a four-episode miniseries on Disney+. Most of the original cast is returning, including Jane Kaczmarek as matriarch Lois, Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Christopher Masterson as Francis, and Justin Berfield as Reese. However, there are a few new faces in the mix. Caleb Ellsworth-Clark will take on the role of Dewey, originally played by Erik Per Sullivan, while Anthony Timpano replaces twins James and Lukas Rodriguez as Jamie. New characters include Keeley Karsten as Malcolm’s daughter Leah and Kiana Madeira as Malcolm’s girlfriend Tristan.
Cranston shared a humorous and touching detail about reconnecting with Hal’s character: “It’s a short-sleeve shirt that Hal would wear, a patterned short-sleeve shirt that screams out he’s not going anywhere,” he said. That familiar wardrobe helped him slip back into the quirky energy of the role.
According to the official Disney+ synopsis for the revival, the story follows Malcolm and his daughter as they return to the family fold when Hal and Lois insist on a family gathering to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. The show promises to dive back into the same kind of outrageous family antics that made it a classic in the first place.
Filming for the reboot wrapped up in May 2025, though a release date has yet to be announced. Still, fans are already buzzing with anticipation for the return of the Wilkersons and the hilariously dysfunctional world they inhabit.
In addition to the reboot, Bryan Cranston continues to showcase his range as an actor. He is currently featured as a recurring guest star in AppleTV+’s new satirical comedy series The Studio. The show features a star-studded cast, including Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders, and Kathryn Hahn, and offers a cringeworthy and comedic look at the behind-the-scenes drama of the entertainment industry.
With Malcolm in the Middle returning and Cranston at the heart of it, fans of the original series have much to look forward to. Whether it’s Hal’s lovable weirdness, the family’s over-the-top chaos, or the nostalgic charm of early 2000s television, the revival promises a heartfelt and humorous journey down memory lane.
About The Author
