Malcolm in the Middle’s Muniz Realizes Character was Overlooked

Malcolm in the Middle's Frankie Muniz

Franke Muniz expressed his opinion that his fellow cast overshadowed his character in Malcolm in the Middle. However, the actor acknowledges that life isn’t always fair in how it works. Additionally, the revival of the beloved Fox sitcom will be on Disney +. The cast, including Bryan Cranson, is excited about the project’s greenlight to the big screen. While Cranston has long advocated for the show’s return, Muniz is eager to return to TV comedy, even if it means sharing the spotlight.

Upcoming Revival of Malcolm in the Middle

The production of the Malcolm in the Middle revival is preparing to kick off. What’s more? Fans of the show are excited for the reunion of the talented cast. Notably, Franke Muniz is set to reprise his role as the titular character and narrator. Recently, he shared that he and his wife, Paige, have been rewatching the original show in anticipation of its revival. Moreover, he gained a new perspective through this rewatch.

Muniz also acknowledges that his character, Malcolm, often takes a backseat to the rest of the family’s comedic genius, including Hal, Lois, Dewey, and Reese. At the Disney +  press release, the upcoming revival was revealed to pick up with Muniz’s character as a grown man being pulled back into his family’s chaotic world. Specifically, the show revolves around his parents’ 40th wedding anniversary party, which Hal and Lios wanted him to attend.

Muniz Discusses Malcolm’s Character

In a conversation with People Magazine, Muniz shared a humorous anecdote about his wife’s reaction to watching old shows from start to finish. According to the actor, his wife observed that he seemed to embody the Malcolm character, suggesting that his portrayal was authentic. However, he didn’t quite see this assessment as a compliment but as a lighthearted jab at his character’s comedic prowess. While playfully downplaying Malcolm’s significance, Muniz implied that his castmates overshadowed him.

Despite Muniz’s somewhat critical view, he’s undoubtedly ecstatic about coming back to the Malcolm character in the upcoming reboot. Specifically, the actor is eager to reunite with the cast and crew, and his enthusiasm is palpable. Furthermore, he reflected on the reboot’s long-gestating development process, noting that talks began as far back as a decade ago, with him and Bryan Cranston periodically working on the project.

What Malcolm’s Character Was About

With the revival becoming a reality, Muniz is thrilled to see it come to fruition. Looking ahead, he hinted at some exciting developments to the new iteration of the show. Although the actor revealed his participation in chemistry reads with new characters, he remained tight-lipped about the specifics. This tease indicates that the revival will introduce new faces and fresh storylines while maintaining the original series’ spirit.

Regarding Muniz’s reservations about his character, Malcolm’s role as the main POV and title character carried a significant burden. Due to being the central character, Malcolm’s responsibility was to anchor the series. As a result, he often had to take a backseat to the comedic antics of his family members. It’s clear that Malcolm’s role, in hindsight, was more nuanced than simply delivering laugh-out-loud lines. While the character was the emotional core of the show, his depth was essential to its success. Despite his parents and brothers having more comedic moments, Malcolm’s subtle humor and relatability made him a compelling character.

Malcolm’s Destiny is Prophesized in Series Finale

Despite Frankie Muniz’s reservations about his character, Malcolm’s role as the main POV and title character carried a significant burden. As the central figure, Malcolm’s responsibility in anchoring the series often meant he had to take a backseat to the comedic antics of his family members. In essence, the character’s understated role in Malcolm in the Middle was a testament to Muniz’s skill as an actor, who brought depth and nuance to the character to make him more than just a comedic foil. In the series finale of the original show, Malcolm’s destiny was always to be a leader and Muniz’s portrayal was responsible for making that vision a reality. 

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