Frankie Muniz Was ‘Nervous’ to Make New Thriller 19 Years After“ Malcolm in the Middle”: ‘Don’t Know If I Can Do This’ (Exclusive)

Frankie Muniz, best known for his role in the hit TV series “Malcolm in the Middle,” is making a return to the big screen in a new thriller after almost two decades. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Muniz expressed feeling nervous about taking on the lead role in the sci-fi thriller “Renner.” At 39 years old, Muniz plays the role of an internally conflicted computer genius, a departure from his previous comedic performances. Despite his initial apprehensions, Muniz knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity after reading the script.

The new thriller, “Renner,” which premiered in limited theaters recently, marks a significant shift for Muniz, who has explored other career paths since his days on “Malcolm in the Middle.” He briefly pursued a career as a race car driver and even co-hosted “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors.” Muniz shared that he has always been drawn to more dramatic roles, despite being primarily known as a comedic actor. He explained that he has enjoyed playing characters that go through significant transitions and evolve throughout the storyline.

Reflecting on his experience filming “Renner,” Muniz admitted to initially feeling out of his comfort zone and worrying about embarrassing himself. However, as filming progressed, Muniz found his stride in the role and felt satisfied with his performance. He confessed to being quite critical of his own work but expressed contentment with how the scenes unfolded on set each day. Muniz’s dedication to the character and the project shines through his emotional journey during the filming process.

While Muniz acknowledges the enduring impact of his role as Malcolm on his career, he is excited about exploring diverse projects that challenge him as an actor. He emphasized that while being typecast as Malcolm would not be a hindrance, he finds joy in taking on different types of roles that offer new and exciting challenges. Muniz believes that “Renner” will surprise audiences with its compelling storyline and his portrayal of a complex character.

In a candid moment, Muniz shared that he found solace in the intensity of the more dramatic scenes and appreciated the opportunity to dive into challenging emotions. Despite his nervousness and self-criticism, Muniz’s dedication to his craft and the project propelled him to deliver a captivating performance. His willingness to push beyond his comfort zone and explore new aspects of his acting abilities is a testament to his growth as an artist.

As Muniz continues to navigate his career post-“Malcolm in the Middle,” his foray into the thriller genre with “Renner” showcases his versatility as an actor and his commitment to evolving creatively. With a renewed passion for dramatic roles and a willingness to take on new challenges, Muniz’s performance in “Renner” promises to captivate audiences and establish him as a formidable presence in the world of thrillers.