Erik Per Sullivan rejected Malcolm reboot?

Malcolm in the Middle reboot: Dewey actor’s “buckets of money” rejection

Erik Per Sullivan, who played Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle, has been reported to have turned down a major offer to return to the Disney+ reboot. The claim comes via commentary from his former co-star Jane Kaczmarek, who said Sullivan rejected what she described as “buckets of money” before deciding to come back.

Why it matters

A reboot can hinge on whether key original cast members agree to return, and Sullivan’s story adds a behind-the-scenes layer to how those deals are struck. The revelation also highlights the kind of leverage and negotiation that can shape legacy TV projects—especially when a show’s original chemistry is closely tied to specific characters.

What’s known

• Sullivan starred as Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle.
• Kaczmarek said he declined a very large payment for his return.
• He ultimately did return for the Disney+ reboot, meaning the final agreement was reached after the initial refusal.

No further specifics were provided in the material here about the exact offer size, who made it, or what changed between the first refusal and the eventual participation.

For fans, it’s another reminder that cast decisions often involve more than just nostalgia—business terms, personal priorities, and timing all play a role before a legacy series can move forward.