IN CONVERSATION WITH KEELEY KARSTEN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Rising actress Keeley Karsten is stepping into a major breakout moment as she leads the new generation of characters in the highly anticipated Malcolm in the Middle reboot, which premiered on 10th April on Disney and Hulu. Keeley first captured attention with her role in Steven Spielberg’s Golden Globe–winning film The Fabelmans, showcasing a natural presence that quickly marked her as a talent to watch. Most recently, she appeared in Apple TV+’s thriller The Savant alongside Jessica Chastain, further demonstrating her ability to hold her own alongside acclaimed performers. Now, as part of the beloved Malcolm in the Middle universe, she steps into the spotlight with a new generation of chaos, humor, and family dynamics.

You’re leading the new generation in the Malcolm in the Middle reboot. What was your reaction when you first learned you’d been cast?

I got a text from Linwood Boomer and my first instinct was, is this a prank? I was trying not to get ahead of myself because I genuinely didn’t know if the text was real. I called my team and they said, “We wanted to tell you, you got the part”. I had to keep asking myself, did that just happen? I knew I was in good hands, though.

The original series has such a devoted fanbase. Did you feel any pressure stepping into that world?

I did feel some pressure because of the impact this show has had on so many people. It came out before I was born, so I had to go back and watch the show to see why it had such a strong fanbase. Filming could have been daunting, but it wasn’t for me because I felt that everyone wanted me to bring something of my own to the show.

How does the new version of the show connect with the spirit of the original while introducing something fresh?

It really is the same show, it just has slightly new circumstances. Malcolm’s a dad now, and he’s still convinced that his family makes him crazy, so he gets frantic when they’re around. Leah has to step into a parental role, so she’s almost more of an adult than he is in those moments.

What can you share about your character and her role within the family dynamic?

Leah is Malcolm’s daughter. She is very smart and has a lot in common with him, but she’s more emotional than he is. Malcolm has been hiding her from his family her entire life, so she’s meeting them for the first time. She has no idea who they are or what they’re like, and she’s eager to get to know them and have them become her family. Malcolm feels very differently though, and that presents some obstacles.

Comedy timing is such a big part of Malcolm in the Middle. How do you approach humor as a performer?

My focus isn’t on having comedic timing, it’s about being authentic as Leah. The situations that she finds herself in are funny, but not to her. She’s being serious, she’s not trying to be comedic. That was how I approached the comedy in the show.

What has it been like working alongside members of the original cast?

It’s been incredible. The cast feels like family to me. They’re all down-to-earth, and everyone was in such a good mood on set. I’m very grateful for them, they couldn’t have been more welcoming.

You first gained attention in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans. What did that experience teach you as a young actor?

That was my first feature film, so I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t realize how cool it was to be working with Steven, but I think that’s because he’s so grounded. He created a very comfortable atmosphere, allowing me to try things without feeling like I couldn’t because it's Steven Spielberg. He trusted us enough to let us find the characters, and it taught me how much commitment was needed to create them.

In The Savant, you shared the screen with Jessica Chastain. What was that collaboration like?

Jessica was involved in more than just acting, she noticed everything in a scene. She was so prepared, and she brought such a professional energy to set. I was a big fan of her work, so it was special for me to get to work with her.

When you’re preparing for a role, what helps you connect most deeply with the character?

Reading the script is the first thing that I do. I’ll know whether a part is the right fit or not when I read it. I’m able to find what I connect with in a character and try to make sure that I have a clear understanding of what they are going through. It shouldn’t feel forced, it should feel natural.

How do you stay grounded while your career is growing so quickly?

I haven’t had to deal with my work affecting my everyday life yet. I’ve always tried to keep the things that I do every day separate from my work, spending time with my friends and family, being outdoors, traveling, and I want to keep it that way.

Outside of acting, what creative passions or hobbies do you enjoy the most?

Music has been a huge part of my life, singing brings me a lot of joy. Aside from that, reading. There’s always a book in my hand. Or I’m watching movies. Any genre. I have been going down a foreign film rabbit hole lately, I just watched a Belgian film called Close that I loved.

As you look ahead, what kinds of roles or stories are you excited to explore next?

There are so many. There are a few books that I think would make great films or series that I’d love to be a part of. The Truth About Horses is one of my favorites. I’d like to do something like the father-daughter dynamic in that book. I’d also look forward to the chance of going back on stage with a play. But I’m excited for what’s to come.

TEAM CREDITS

talent KEELEY KARSTEN
photography SHANE MCCAULEY
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA