Some viewers tragically lose their favorite shows after only one season. However, the lucky fans of Showtime’s eight-season hitDexterare now enjoying its highly-anticipated prequel,Dexter: Original Sin.The new series comes only a few years after getting its time-jump revival,Dexter: New Blood, and right before its upcoming spin-off,Dexter: Resurrection,which will be released in the summer of 2025.
Creator Clyde Phillips returns as showrunner and writer, alongside its titular star, Michael C. Hall, now an executive producer and voicing the inner-narration of an early adulthood version ofthe beloved vigilante. The series centers on Dexter Morgan’s life after college with the Miami Metro Police Department. Retroactively exploring the Bay Harbor Butcher’s inception, audiences will get a closer look at how he evolved from paid forensics internto serial killer, mastering his craft, covering established kills, and encountering some of the characters from the original series for the first time. Although most of the actors will not be reprising their roles forDexter: Original Sin, here are the familiar characters fans can expect to see returning to the screen as their younger selves.
Dexter: Original Sin
A Look at the Morgan Family’s Past
Despite Michael C. Hall’s absence in the flesh,his iconic characterwill still leadDexter: Original Sinas a post-college version of himself 15 years beforeDexterbegins. The role is played by Irish actorPatrick Gibson, most known for his work in Netflix’s fantasy showsThe OAas Steve Winchell andShadow and Bone’sNikolai Lantsov. Starting as a student, the series will give further insight into his killer transition, navigating his homicidal impulses. Dexter embarks on a code of justice, beginning to kill those who deserve it, while simultaneously working alongside law enforcement and evading arrest. Gibson takes on the difficult task of staying true to the original character’s lore and charisma, as well as giving audiences something new.
On his seminal path to righteous executioner, fans will also get to know theyounger versions of Dexter’s family membersfrom the original series. Initially portrayed by James Remar, Dexter’s adoptive father and confidant,Harry Morgan, will be played byChristian Slater, most known forthe ’80s classic,Heathers, and his more recent work in the award-winning thrillerMr. Robot. Slater will act as a guiding figure for Dexter, teaching him how to control his violent urges and avoid getting caught for his crimes.
Additionally, Dexter’s sisterDebrawill return, originally played by the versatile Jennifer Carpenter (known for engaging audiences regardless of genre through notable performances inThe Exorcism of Emily RoseandWhite Chicks).The popular foul-mouthed sibling and homicide detective is portrayed now byEvil’sMolly Brown, and the show will dive into her late-teen years and the early dynamic between her and her murderous adopted brother.
‘Dexter’ Creator Explains How ‘Yellowstone’ Influenced the Prequel Series
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Other Returning Characters Fans Can Expect
Fan-favoriteAngel Batista, originally brought to life by David Zayas, is the closest thing that Dexter ever gets to a real best friend. With his good-nature, dry humor, and infamous goatee-fedora combo, audiences can look forward to seeing the character again inDexter: Original Sin.The prequel castBillionsactorJames Martinezto take on the role, showing him as an up-and-coming police officer working for the MMPD.
Another colleague,Maria LaGuerta, previously depicted byNew York Undercover’sLuna Lauren Velez, will also be included. In the original series, LaGuerta is the Lieutenant of the MMPD whose expertise and obsessive search for the Bay Harbor Butcher becomes Dexter’s biggest threat. In the new prequel, the character will be playedby popular 2000spop singer and actressChristina Milian. Fans will get to see her fresh perspective on the no-nonsense detective as she traverses the political side of law enforcement during the early days of her career.
Lastly, for those expectingDexter: Original Sinto maintain the dark sense of humor of its predecessor, the show’s oddly charmingVince Masuka, originally portrayed by C.S. Lee ofEverything Beautiful is Far Away, is also coming back. Now played byThe Blacklist’sAlex Shimizu, the crude forensic analyst, with his often inappropriate commentary and distinct laugh, will hopefully continue bringinglevity to the morbid natureof the show’s premise.
‘Dexter: Original Sin’ Will Face a Common Prequel Problem
Michael C. Hall was iconic as the titular vigilante serial killer in ‘Dexter,’ and a prequel is set to make its buzzed-about debut.
Where to Watch Dexter: Original Sin
The newDexterprequel’s pilot episode has already premiered and is available to watch on Paramount+ with Showtime. The rest of the 10-episode series will be streaming there on Fridays as well as broadcast live on Showtime the following Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.
For anyone looking to start the show from the beginning, catch up with wherever they left off, or rewatch to their heart’s content, all eight seasons ofDexterare currently on Netflix and Paramount+ (the latter also hasDexter: New Bloodavailable to stream).
