Fans of the iconic Showtime series,Dexter, are in for a treat as new details about his highly anticipated prequel series have emerged.Dexter: Original Sinis set to shed light on the dark origins of America’s favorite serial killer. The main series offered several glimpses into the protagonist’s past, where he was an orphan taken in by a police detective, how he learned to deal with his homicidal urges, and eventually joined hands with the justice system as a vigilante who punishes murderers.
Next came 2021’sten-episode limited seriestitledDexter: New Blood. A major hit, it reignited the intrigue around the complex character. Now, showrunner Clyde Phillips is returning with another spin-off, this one set fifteen years before the events ofDexter.
The series will provide chilling insight into Dexter’s traumatic childhood and teenagehood under the tutelage of his father, Harry. We will get to see the events that first encouraged Dexter’s sociopathic tendencies and how he learned to satiate his “dark passenger.”
But for the first time ever, the main character will be played by someone other than Michael C. Hall. Instead,Dexter: Original Sinwill feature a fresh set of cast members, all playing younger versions of the characters seen inDexterandDexter: New Blood.
So far, 7 characters (and the respective stars playing them) are confirmed. Patrick Gibson will play thedark, twisted, fascinating and formidable anti-hero, with Debra and Harry Morgan having been recast as well. Here is a full list of the key characters that will take part in the prequel.
7Reno Wilson – Bobby Watt
A veteran actor,Reno Wilsonis set to flex his dramatic skills playingBobby Watt, a character that is meant to bring more depth to the show. He will play Harry Morgan’s best friend. Wilson is known for upbeat roles in comedies likeMike & Molly, where he stars alongside his friend Billy Gardell. Besides his knack for humor, the actor has shown grittier abilities in dramas such asBlind JusticeandPrison Break.
Hailing from Brooklyn, Wilson got his first television role inThe Cosby Show, where he appeared for 10 episodes as Howard, Theo Huxtable’s college friend, during Seasons 5 and Season 6. Now stepping into the sinister world of Dexter Morgan, Wilson is primed to help uncover layers to the character. Perhaps he meant something to young Dexter? We will find out.
6Alex Shimizu – Vince Masuka
Vince Masuka’sgift toDexterwas his strikingly familiar personality. Brought to life by C.S. Lee in the original series, he was a lead forensics investigator for the Miami Metro Police Department, working alongside Dexter in the lab andat crime scenes. Remembered as a vital comic relief, he had a habit of passing out sexual innuendos every chance he got. When the team confronted him about it, he cleaned up his act.
Vince was the closest thing Dexter had to a friend in the novels because, like Dexter, Vince, too, hides who he really is.Alex Shimizu, who is known for portraying the recurring character Tadashi Ito onThe Blacklist, is confirmed to return to the fold to play Vince Masuka.
Having made cameos in a series of TV shows, including,Blue Bloods,Criminal Minds,True Detectiveseason 2,Power, Sneaky Pete,Silicon Valley, and more, expectations of his role are soaring high. Since his presence was indelible to Dexter as the blood itself, the prequel series might expand on the kinship and reveal the character’s unforeseen significance.
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5Christian Slater – Harry Morgan
A true icon of crime thrillers, none could perhaps embody the steadfast and troubledHarry MorganlikeChristian Slater. Acclaimed for roles likeMr. Robot, where he played the confident to Rami Malek’s character, as well as movies likeThe Legend of Billie Jean,Heathers,True Romance,and Interview with the Vampire, he is known for his complexity and unwavering dedication to portray broken and nuanced characters.
Harry Morgan, as a character, wasn’t too prominent in the original series. But his influence as Dexter Morgan’s adoptive father was felt from beginning to end. He appears in Dexter’s flashbacks, imparting wisdom that would echo across seasons.
InDexter: Original Sin,Slater is expected to grasp the volatile father-son dynamicand delve into the character’s scarred history. Fans have a faint idea of what builds their traumatic bond, but to see it fleshed out will be raw and refreshing at the same time.
4Christina Milian – Maria LaGuerta
Another long-running character confirmed to return inDexter: Original Sinis Miami police officerMaria LaGuerta. A tough and determined woman, she was in the Homicide division for years before rising up the ranks and becoming lieutenant, following which she led several memorable criminal investigations alongside Dexter. The chaotic arena of Dexter’s past will shed more light on the ambitious woman LaGuerta was before corruption crept into the system.
Christina Milianwill play the role.Renowned for her vocal talentsand a striking on-screen presence, she was the voice behind the classic Kim Possible theme song“Call Me, Beep Me!”As far as on-screen appearances go, Millian showed her versatility by starring in movies likeAmerican Pie,Bring It On: Fight to the Finish, andBe Cool.
A dedicated performer who always finds the hidden complexity in any role, she will bring admiration and poignancy to the role of Miami Metro’s first female homicide detective.
3James Martinez – Angel Batista
Dexter: Original Sinwill feature a younger version of the loyal Miami LieutenantAngel Batista. Played by David Zayas in the original series and the spin-offDexter: New Blood, he was a vital character who anchored the police force with honesty and grit. Somewhere along Season 3, he was promoted to sergeant and made the department’s new lead case investigator and in Season 8, he announced his retirement.
Zayas will not be returning for the prequel. Instead, Batista will be portrayed byJames Martinez. Known to excel in every role with his quiet strength, his character inDexter: Original Sinis described as “an up-and-coming homicide detective who leads with his heart.” Martinez has had several career triumphs before.
The most prominent ones include Victor onOne Day at a Time, series regular Jorge Sanchez onGravity, Armando Salazar on the Hulu seriesLove, Victor, and Alex Romero in season five of the Netflix seriesHouse of Cards.
Related:Dexter: How the Series Stands Out From Other Serial Killer Shows
2Molly Brown – Debra Morgan
Debra Morganis Harry Morgan’s biological daughter and Dexter’s adoptive sister. In the original series, he was played by Michael C. Hall’s real-life wife of two years, Jennifer Carpenter, who imbued the character with the kind of fairness that comes with a troubled past. She tapped the rich wells of anger and vulnerability to make Debra an unforgettable part of the series. Her narrative arc saw her joining the police force, dealing with trauma, going undercover, and eventually getting promoted.
Joining the rest of the newcomers isMolly Brown, who made her debut on television less than a decade ago in a 2016 episode of ABC’s legal drama Conviction. A Theatre Arts major, she later went on to star as Elizabeth Prince in two episodes ofBillionsand Leslie in six episodes of CBS’s supernatural drama,Evil. Brown also made an appearance inLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit, andThe Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
1Patrick Gibson – Dexter Morgan
It is true that Michael C. Hall has established high standards as the protagonist ofDexterandDexter: New Blood. But with the prequel series exploring his early life, it was only natural for the production to switch the cast out. Charming, destructive and extremely confident in himself,Dexter Morganis TV’s richest anti-hero. And now he will be played byPatrick Gibson, who is prepping to step into some big shows by portraying Dexter Morgan in his formative years.
Gibson is expected to hit on the legacy effortlessly because of his former credits. The 29-year-old actor from Ireland is known for his role as Steve Winchell in the critically acclaimed series,The OA, and as Nikolai Lantsov in Netflix’s fantasy seriesShadow and Bone. Fans have waited really long to see Morgan’s past uncovered on screen.
With Patrick at the helm, the prequel promises to honor the original’s greatness while pioneeringnew stomach-churning horrors. Needless to say, we’re excited about what the new chapter has to offer.
