Some viewers tragically lose their favorite shows after only one season. However, the lucky fans of Showtime’s eight-season hit Dexter are 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 of the 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 intern to 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 for Dexter: Original Sin, here are the familiar characters fans can expect to see returning to the screen as their younger selves.

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Dexter: Original Sin

Release Date

December 15, 2024

Seasons

1

A Look at the Morgan Family’s Past

Despite Michael C. Hall’s absence in the flesh, his iconic character will still lead Dexter: Original Sin as a post-college version of himself 15 years before Dexter begins. The role is played by Irish actor Patrick Gibson, most known for his work in Netflix’s fantasy shows The OA as Steve Winchell and Shadow and Bone’s Nikolai 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 the younger versions of Dexter’s family members from the original series. Initially portrayed by James Remar, Dexter’s adoptive father and confidant, Harry Morgan, will be played by Christian Slater, most known for the ’80s classic, Heathers, and his more recent work in the award-winning thriller Mr. 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 sister Debra will return, originally played by the versatile Jennifer Carpenter (known for engaging audiences regardless of genre through notable performances in The Exorcism of Emily Rose and White Chicks). The popular foul-mouthed sibling and homicide detective is portrayed now by Evil’s Molly Brown, and the show will dive into her late-teen years and the early dynamic between her and her murderous adopted brother.

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Other Returning Characters Fans Can Expect

Fan-favorite Angel 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 in Dexter: Original Sin. The prequel cast Billions actor James Martinez to take on the role, showing him as an up-and-coming police officer working for the MMPD.
Another colleague, Maria LaGuerta, previously depicted by New York Undercover’s Luna 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 played by popular 2000s pop singer and actress Christina 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 expecting Dexter: Original Sin to maintain the dark sense of humor of its predecessor, the show’s oddly charming Vince Masuka, originally portrayed by C.S. Lee of Everything Beautiful is Far Away, is also coming back. Now played by The Blacklist’s Alex Shimizu, the crude forensic analyst, with his often inappropriate commentary and distinct laugh, will hopefully continue bringing levity to the morbid nature of the show’s premise.

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Where to Watch Dexter: Original Sin

The new Dexter prequel’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 of Dexter are currently on Netflix and Paramount+ (the latter also has Dexter: New Blood available to stream).