Frankie Muniz finds unexpected joy revisiting a classic role

Frankie Muniz calls returning for the Malcolm in the Middle reboot one of the most joyful sets he’s ever worked on

Frankie Muniz has opened up about his return to television for the upcoming Malcolm in the Middle reboot, describing the experience as the first time he truly felt proud to call himself an actor.

Speaking in a recent interview with People, Muniz said working on the four-episode revival, titled Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair, marked a turning point in how he views his acting career. The former child star explained that while he has acted for most of his life, he often defined himself by his many other pursuits, including racing and music.

Muniz starred as Malcolm Wilkerson in the original Fox sitcom, which ran for seven seasons between 2000 and 2006. The series followed a gifted child navigating family chaos alongside parents played by Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, becoming a cultural touchstone for a generation of viewers.

Returning to the role more than 20 years later, Muniz admitted he was initially unsure how the dynamic would feel as an adult. He noted that with age comes greater self-awareness and pressure, making him question whether stepping back into Malcolm’s shoes would feel natural. Those concerns quickly faded, however, as the cast reunited.

According to Muniz, the chemistry returned almost instantly, with the cast slipping back into their roles from the very first table read. He described the reboot as one of the most enjoyable experiences he has ever had on set, citing reduced pressure and a deep appreciation for the show’s lasting impact on fans.

The reboot is set to stream on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ in 2026, bringing the beloved sitcom back to audiences who have continued to embrace it decades later.