Bryan Cranston drives Malcolm in the Middle reboot efforts following intense lobbying, resulting in the show‘s creator Linwood Boomer finally agreeing to revisit the beloved sitcom. Cranston, whose career soared post-series, was uniquely persistent in making the reboot a reality, setting this apart from typical nostalgia-driven revivals.
Bryan Cranston’s Determined Pursuit of a Revival
Unlike the string of recent sitcom reboots that often feel driven by network attempts to capitalize on nostalgia—such as the returns of Fuller House and Girl Meets World—the Malcolm in the Middle reboot stands out because the push came from one of its most successful original cast members, Bryan Cranston. After Malcolm in the Middle ended, Cranston achieved major acclaim, including six Emmy wins for Breaking Bad, an Oscar nomination for Trumbo, and a significant roster of high-profile roles, ensuring he would never have to return to less glamorous commercial work.
Despite this success, Cranston remained deeply attached to the role of Hal, the Wilkerson family patriarch. His commitment was so complete that it even included enduring the show‘s famously outrageous scenarios. Yet, Cranston’s interest in a reboot was not fleeting; he made repeated efforts over the years to convince the original creator, Linwood Boomer, to bring the show back.
Relentless Campaign to Persuade Linwood Boomer
Cranston recently appeared on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s Fly on the Wall podcast, where he discussed his persistency in advocating for the reboot. He revealed the challenges faced in convincing Boomer, who was not easily swayed by the idea of returning to the show’s universe.
Linwood Boomer, who is the creator of the show, when I first pitched it to him, he said, ‘No, I’m not interested,’
—Bryan Cranston, Actor
Despite an initial rejection, Cranston did not give up. He pushed again a year and a half later, and met with continued resistance.
About a year and a half later, I said, ‘What about it?’ He goes, ‘No, I really don’t think it’s something I want to do.’ And I went, ‘Really? It’s starting to improve…’
—Bryan Cranston, Actor
It took several more years and endless determination before Boomer began to consider the possibility, but Cranston’s persistence wore him down. He eventually agreed to revive the series, once he felt inspired to take part in its creation.
three years after that, (he) was like, ‘Well, I, you know, if someone else wrote it, maybe I’ll look at it.’ And I just started wearing him down until he said, ‘I’ve got an idea!’ And I said, ‘Good!’
—Bryan Cranston, Actor
Filming and Changes for the Disney+ Revival
Remarkably, the reboot is already in motion, having finished principal photography for a four-episode Disney+ series just a month ago. This new iteration marks not only the persistence and vision of Cranston, but also captures the transformation in the cast. The actors who portrayed the Wilkerson children, including Glenn Howerton in other projects, are now around the same age Cranston was when the show originally aired.
boys who were my boys on that show are now around the same age I was when we first started.
—Bryan Cranston, Actor
The production demonstrates the involvement of many original team members and the enduring appeal of the Wilkerson family dynamic. Notably, the reboot has created speculation among fans about potential tie-ins or references to Cranston’s iconic Breaking Bad role, pondering whether that series might be imagined as one of Hal’s dreams, though no clear answer has been provided on whether this will be canon.
A Revival Driven by Creative Vision, Not Nostalgia
This new Malcolm in the Middle project appears fundamentally different from the standard formula of bringing back old series purely for profit or safe ratings. Instead, the reboot is rooted in a genuine desire by key creative individuals—including Cranston and Boomer—to revisit and expand upon the universe they built together. Entities such as the original stars, the creator, and Disney+ all play crucial roles in shaping this return.
While the television industry is saturated with revivals aimed at easy success, the upcoming Malcolm in the Middle reboot stands as an example of artist-driven ambition. With filming complete and a release on the horizon, fans will soon witness how Cranston’s determination, Boomer’s renewed interest, and the cast’s evolution shape this latest chapter in the Wilkerson story. The series’ return could influence the tone and approach of future television revivals, demonstrating the power of persistence and passion in bringing much-loved stories back to life.
