Bryan Cranston returns as Hal in ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ revival: “I missed him”

Bryan Cranston is officially back as Hal Wilkerson in the upcoming Malcolm in the Middle revival series. In a new interview with People published on May 25, Cranston described his return to the iconic role as “so rewarding.”

“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. He’s a sweet, lovable man, and it was fun to see my whole family back together. It was great.”

Cranston even shared a personal touch he used to reconnect with Hal’s quirky personality — wearing one of Hal’s signature short-sleeve patterned shirts. “It screams out he’s not going anywhere,” he joked.

The Malcolm in the Middle revival brings back much of the original cast, including Frankie Muniz, Jane Kaczmarek, Christopher Masterson, and Justin Berfield. Newcomer Caleb Ellsworth-Clark takes over the role of Dewey, and two new characters join the mix: Malcolm’s daughter Leah, played by The Fabelmans star Keeley Karsten, and a new sibling, Kelly, portrayed by Vaughan Murrae.

The limited-run series is being produced by 20th Television and New Regency. Series creator Linwood Boomer returns as writer and executive producer, alongside Bryan Cranston and a team including Tracy Katsky, Gail Berman, Arnon Milchan, and Ken Kwapis, who will direct all four episodes.