Malcolm in the Middle Sequel Teaser Reveals Which Original Stars Return

Hulu just dropped a new teaser for Life’s Still Unfair, the Malcolm in the Middle reboot, reuniting fan favorites and adding fresh troublemakers to the Wilkerson clan. Nostalgia returns—with extra chaos.

Malcolm in the Middle is officially back in our lives. Hulu dropped a teaser for the sequel series, cheekily titled 'Life's Still Unfair,' and it confirms what fans wanted to hear: a big chunk of the original cast is back, a few new faces are crashing the party, and yes, they are absolutely leaning into nostalgia.

What this is

'Life's Still Unfair' is a four-episode limited series, greenlit by Hulu and Disney+. The plan, per the teaser and trade reports, is a 2026 release. No exact date yet, just the year. The first footage even sneaks in a very specific callback: Lois shaving Hal's back in the kitchen, recreated shot-for-shot. It is both ridiculous and exactly what you think this show would do.

The story they are telling

"After shielding himself and his daughter (Karsten) from his family for over a decade, Malcolm is dragged back into their orbit when Hal and Lois demand his presence at their 40th anniversary party."

Let that sink in: Malcolm is now the parent trying to keep some distance, and Hal and Lois are celebrating 40 years. That alone tells you what kind of chaos is coming.

Who is back (and who is new)

• Returning: Bryan Cranston as Hal, the wildly committed dad who is somehow both the problem and the solution
• Returning: Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, now an adult and a parent
• Returning: Jane Kaczmarek as Lois, still the overworked, no-nonsense center of gravity
• Returning: Christopher Kennedy Masterson as Francis, the oldest brother
• Returning: Justin Berfield as Reese, Malcolm's older brother with weaponized confidence
• Returning: Emy Coligado as Piama, Francis's wife
• Recast: Dewey is now played by Caleb Ellsworth-Clark, an adult version of Malcolm's younger brother
• New: Keeley Karsten as Leah, Malcolm's daughter
• New: Vaughan Murrae as Kelly, Malcolm's youngest sibling (yep, there is another one)
• New: Kiana Madeira as Tristan, Malcolm's girlfriend

About that Dewey change

Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey in the original series, is not returning. He has been absent from reunions over the years and reportedly stepped away from acting after the show ended. The revival addresses that by making Dewey an adult and recasting the role with Caleb Ellsworth-Clark. It is a noticeable shift, and fans will feel his absence, but the show is clearly moving the timeline forward.

Who is making it

Creator Linwood Boomer is back as writer and executive producer. Ken Kwapis is directing all four episodes and also executive producing, which gives this a steady hand behind the camera from someone who knows ensemble comedy.

When and where to watch

The four-part event is slated for 2026 on Hulu. The teaser making the rounds today confirms the year, but not the date. In the meantime, the original Malcolm in the Middle is streaming on Disney+ if you want a refresher on why shaving Hal's back is a big deal.