Malachi Barton isn't that little kid from Stuck in the Middle anymore. Seriously. If you still picture him as the messy, high-energy Beast Diaz, you’ve missed a massive transformation. Now 18, the Virginia-born actor has spent the last year proving he’s one of the few Disney stars who can actually navigate the "awkward years" without disappearing.
Actually, he didn't just stay relevant. In 2025, he became the second most searched actor on Google in the United States.
Why? Because he’s basically everywhere. From playing a vampire in a massive musical franchise to launching his own fashion brand, Malachi Barton is currently pulling off the ultimate career pivot.
The Zombies 4 Shift and the End of Valley View
The biggest question people have right now is what happened to The Villains of Valley View. It was a hit. Fans loved it. But honestly, it looks like the show wrapped up after two seasons. While Disney hasn't always been blunt about cancellations, Malachi and his co-star Isabella Pappas have clearly moved on.
For Malachi, that "moving on" looked like trading his shapeshifting powers for fangs.
In the summer of 2025, he joined the Disney monster-verse as Victor in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires. This wasn't just another side role. He was front and center, even dropping a holiday duet called "Snow Angels" with Freya Skye that went viral on TikTok and Disney+ late in the year. It’s a different vibe for him. He's more mature, his voice is deeper, and he’s leaning into the "teen heartthrob" energy that Disney usually reserves for the next big thing.
What He's Working on for 2026
If you think he's slowing down, you're wrong. He's booked solid.
There are two massive projects currently in the pipeline that are going to define his 2026:
- Coven Academy: This is a huge deal. It’s a new series for Disney+ and Disney Channel created by Tim Federle (the guy behind High School Musical: The Musical: The Series). Malachi is starring as Jake. It's a supernatural drama about witches, and considering Federle's track record, it’s probably going to be a massive hit with the Gen Z crowd.
- Camp Rock 3: Yeah, you read that right. After years of rumors, a third Camp Rock is actually happening. Malachi has been cast as a character named Fletch. Filming wrapped in late 2025, and it’s slated for a 2026 release.
It's kind of wild to see him joining these legacy franchises. It shows that Disney isn't just keeping him around; they’re building their future around him.
J1:9 and Life Beyond the Screen
One thing most people don't realize about Malachi Barton now is that he's a business owner. He launched a clothing line called J1:9. The name isn't just random letters and numbers; it’s a reference to the Bible verse Joshua 1:9, which says to "be strong and courageous."
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He actually started the brand as a way to cope with anxiety during the 2020 lockdowns. A grandfather gave him a bracelet with the verse on it, and it stuck. Now, it's a full-blown luxury streetwear brand.
He’s also extremely close with his parents. His mom, Felicia Barton, was actually a semi-finalist on American Idol back in the day. You can see that musical influence in his recent work. He isn't just "an actor who sings" anymore; he's actively releasing music and performing on tours like the Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour.
Dealing with the "Glow Up" Narrative
The internet is obsessed with his "glow up." If you search his name on YouTube or Instagram, you'll find endless "then vs. now" videos.
It’s gotta be weird. Growing up in front of millions of people usually goes south for a lot of actors. But Malachi seems... normal? He still posts about the Los Angeles Dodgers. He still skates. He hasn't had some public meltdown.
Why He’s Not Just "Another Disney Kid"
The reason he’s ranking so high on Google Trends isn't just because he’s on TV. It’s because he has managed to bridge the gap between "child actor" and "serious talent."
- Versatility: He went from multi-cam sitcoms to voice acting (Fancy Nancy) to musical films.
- Relatability: He’s open about his faith and his struggles with stress, which resonates.
- The "It" Factor: There’s a specific kind of charisma you need to survive the jump from Disney Channel to more mature projects, and he has it in spades.
What’s Next for You?
If you’re a fan or just curious about where he’s headed, the best thing to do is keep an eye on the Coven Academy trailers dropping soon. That show is going to be the real test of his leading-man potential.
Also, check out the "Snow Angels" music video if you haven't. It's the best preview of the "new" Malachi Barton you’re going to get before the 2026 projects officially land. He’s clearly positioning himself for a career that outlasts his Disney contract, and honestly, he’s doing a better job of it than most.
Watch for Coven Academy to premiere in early 2026 on Disney+—that's when we'll see if he can truly carry a series as a young adult lead.