TMDb/Malcolm in the Middle: Li Celebrity Disney failed to coax Erik Per Sullivan out of retirement for the *Malcolm in the Middle* revival, forcing a major rewrite of Dewey's storyline. April 26, 2026 AceShowbiz - The revival of Malcolm in the Middle, titled Life's Still Unfair, was designed with a specific intent to bring back Erik Per Sullivan, the original actor who played Dewey. However, despite efforts from the producers, the plan to coax him out of retirement ultimately did not succeed. Erik Per Sullivan portrayed Dewey in the original series that aired from 2000 to 2006.