Frankie Muniz, 40, is returning to his iconic Malcolm role in a Hulu revival of "Malcolm in the Middle" 20 years after the original series ended. The actor who once earned $40 million from the sitcom has pursued multiple careers since, becoming a professional NASCAR driver and entrepreneur. The four-part revival reunites most original cast members including Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek.

After the show's 151-episode run ended in 2006, Muniz deliberately stepped away from Hollywood to escape industry pressures. He channeled his energy into racing cars, eventually becoming a professional driver, while dabbling in other ventures including an olive oil business. Despite his fame and fortune, Muniz maintained a relatively low profile while occasionally appearing in reality TV shows.

The revival represents a calculated return to acting for Muniz, who now balances his racing career with fatherhood and occasional acting roles. Industry analysts view the comeback as a strategic move for the actor to reconnect with his audience while maintaining his diverse career portfolio. With the revival premiering on Hulu, this project marks Muniz's attempt to reconcile his past fame with his current identity beyond just "the Malcolm guy."