Remember the kid who was always covered in mud, or paint, or some weird unidentified slime on Disney Channel? If you grew up watching the Diaz family, you know exactly who I’m talking about. Beast Diaz. He was one half of the chaotic twin duo that basically made the house a permanent construction zone. It’s been years since the show wrapped, and honestly, seeing the beast from stuck in the middle now is a bit of a trip because Malachi Barton is definitely not that messy little kid anymore.
He grew up. Fast.
It’s weird how we freeze child actors in our heads. You expect them to stay ten years old forever, wearing striped shirts and causing mischief. But Malachi has spent the last few years quietly building a career that actually survived the "Disney Curse" that claims so many others. He didn’t just disappear into the void of former child stars who live off royalty checks and nostalgia conventions. He’s actually working. A lot.
The Glow Up and the Career Shift
When Stuck in the Middle ended in 2018, most of the cast went in wild directions. Jenna Ortega became a global scream queen icon. Malachi, on the other hand, stayed within the Disney and Nickelodeon ecosystem for a bit before branching out. It’s a smart move. You stay visible, you keep the paycheck coming, and you refine the craft. He didn't just stay "the kid from the Diaz family."
He landed a pretty massive role in the live-action Dora and the Lost City of Gold movie. He played young Diego. It wasn't a lead, but being part of a major Paramount theatrical release is a massive step up from a multi-cam sitcom. You could see the transition happening in real-time. The hair got styled, the acting got more subtle, and he started leaning into more "teen heartthrob" territory rather than just being the comic relief.
Then came the Under Wraps remake. This was a big deal for Disney’s Halloween programming. Malachi played Marshall, and the fact that they brought him back for a sequel proves he’s got staying power with the network. Producers like him because he’s professional. He’s been on sets since he was a literal toddler doing commercials for K-Mart and Lay’s. That kind of experience shows.
Why Malachi Barton's Path is Different
Most kids who play the "wild child" role get pigeonholed. They get stuck playing the funny best friend or the annoying younger brother until they're twenty. Malachi seems to be dodging that. He’s been guest-starring in things like The Villains of Valley View and even lending his voice to animated projects.
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If you look at his social media—which, by the way, has millions of followers—it's very curated. He’s into fashion. He’s into fitness. He’s basically the blueprint for the modern Gen Z actor. He isn't out there getting into scandals. He's just... working.
It’s also worth noting how close he stayed with his TV family. You often hear horror stories about sets where everyone hated each other, but the Stuck in the Middle cast actually seems to like one another. Malachi is frequently seen supporting Jenna Ortega’s projects or hanging out with Nicolas Bechtel (Lewie). That kind of groundedness is probably why he hasn't burnt out yet.
Breaking Down the Recent Projects
If you’re looking for the beast from stuck in the middle now on your TV screen, you aren't going to find him in overalls. Lately, his work has been more focused on the Disney+ era of content.
- Under Wraps 1 & 2: These movies were surprisingly popular. He plays a lead role, showing he can carry a movie without needing a massive ensemble to hide behind.
- The Villains of Valley View: He played Colby Madden/Flashform. This was a fun pivot because it involved the superhero genre, which is basically the holy grail for young actors these days.
- Voice Work: He’s done work for Fancy Nancy, which people often overlook. Voice acting is incredibly hard work and keeps an actor’s resume diverse while they wait for the next big live-action role.
He's also leaned heavily into the influencer space, but not in a "buy my gummy vitamins" way. He’s a brand ambassador for various fashion lines. He’s got that sharp, Gen Z aesthetic that brands crave. It’s a dual-income stream that makes him less reliant on just waiting for the phone to ring with a script.
The Jenna Ortega Connection
It’s impossible to talk about the Diaz kids without mentioning Jenna. Her meteoric rise to fame with Wednesday and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice naturally brought a lot of eyes back to her old costars. Malachi has handled this with a lot of grace. He doesn't ride her coattails, but he’s always there to celebrate her wins.
There’s a specific kind of nuance in how he’s handled his "post-Disney" life. He didn't try to go "edgy" immediately. A lot of child stars try to do a gritty indie movie where they play a drug dealer just to prove they’re grown up. Malachi hasn't done that. He’s letting the aging process happen naturally. He's 18 now (as of 2024/2025), and he’s moving into adult roles at a pace that doesn't feel forced or desperate.
What’s Next for Malachi?
The industry is changing. Sitcoms aren't the powerhouse they used to be. For Malachi Barton to stay relevant, he’s likely going to have to make the jump to a major streaming series or a prestige drama. He has the range for it. If you watch his later work in the Under Wraps franchise, his comedic timing has evolved into something much more dry and sophisticated.
He’s also very into music and boxing. He’s a multi-hyphenate. That’s the key now. You can’t just be an actor; you have to be a "personality." He’s managed to build a brand that feels authentic.
Honestly, the biggest challenge for him will be shedding the "Disney kid" label entirely. It’s a double-edged sword. It gives you the platform, but it also gives you a ceiling. But considering how he’s navigated the last five years, he’s in a better position than 90% of his peers.
Actionable Takeaways for Following His Career
If you want to keep up with what Beast—err, Malachi—is doing, here is the best way to do it without falling for clickbait:
- Check Disney+ Regularly: Most of his major film work is currently sitting on Disney+. Watching the Under Wraps films back-to-back with Stuck in the Middle is the best way to see his acting evolution.
- Follow Verified Socials: He is very active on Instagram and TikTok. This is where he announces new projects first. Avoid the fan accounts that post old photos; his current feed is where the "adult" career is being built.
- Look for Voice Credits: Many fans miss his work because they’re only looking for his face. Check IMDB for his recent voice-over roles, as that’s a huge part of his current professional output.
- Watch for Independent Projects: As he moves further away from his teen years, keep an eye out for him in smaller, independent festival films. That’s usually the next step for actors of his caliber looking to secure Emmy or serious award consideration.
Malachi Barton proved that being the "messy twin" was just a starting point. He’s grown into a professional, versatile actor who seems to have his head on straight. Whether he ends up in a massive superhero franchise or continues to dominate the streaming movie world, he’s definitely one to watch. The "Beast" has officially left the building, and a serious actor has taken his place.