Fans of Dexter: Original Sin should brace themselves for an intense and thrilling ride as the show progresses, promising plenty of drama all the way to its finale.
During the New York City premiere on Wednesday, December 11, series creator Clyde Phillips shared exclusive insights with Us Weekly about the prequel’s first season and hinted at a climactic ending.
“Obviously, I’m not going to tease a cliffhanger, but I will say that this show includes several moments we call ‘kills,’” Phillips, 66, explained. “And there’s also what we refer to as a ‘big bad.’”
The Paramount+ prequel not only promises plenty of high-stakes moments but also incorporates the familiar storytelling style fans loved in the original series.
“There is a ‘big bad’ in this show that we think will be very surprising,” continued Phillips, who had originally exited Dexter after season 4 but returned for New Blood and now Original Sin. “From a story standpoint, it’s very satisfying to the audience.”
Set in 1991, Dexter: Original Sin explores Dexter’s (Patrick Gibson) evolution from an ordinary student to an avenging serial killer and member of the Miami Metro Police Department. With guidance from his father, Harry (Christian Slater), Dexter begins identifying and eliminating individuals he deems unfit to remain in society.
The series boasts a star-studded cast, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Patrick Dempsey, Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian, Alex Shimizu, and Reno Wilson. Despite its roots in the original series, Shimizu and Martinez recently emphasized that viewers don’t need to be long-time fans to enjoy the prequel.
“The character work that we’re doing is very specific,” Shimizu, who plays Vince Masuka, shared during the press junket on Tuesday, December 10.
“These are characters you’re going to grow to love, whether you know their past or not.” He added that the series tells a “very, very surprising and intriguing story,” combining humor with drama to create an engaging experience for all viewers.
Martinez, who portrays Angel Batista, found the prequel’s fresh start liberating. “It’s an origin story, so there’s just a lot more liberty you can take,” he explained. “I’d even say you could watch this prequel first, then move on to the original series. It’s for everyone.”
The role of Dexter was originally played by Michael C. Hall in Showtime’s Dexter, which aired from 2006 to 2013. Hall later reprised his role in the 2021 spinoff New Blood and now serves as the narrator for the prequel. Patrick Gibson steps into the role of a younger Dexter, offering fans a new perspective on the character’s early life.
“We’re retreading some old territory but approaching it from a completely different angle,” Phillips said. “This allows the audience—and even us as writers—to gain a deeper understanding of the story.”
Phillips praised both Hall and Gibson for their distinct interpretations of the titular character. “When we first meet Dexter in the original series, he’s 35 years old, fully formed, and Michael C. Hall. In the first minute of the show, he kills a guy. He’s living with a woman,” Phillips explained.
“In Original Sin, Dexter is a senior in college. He’s never kissed a girl, doesn’t know how to kiss his sister on the cheek, and is still figuring out how to blend in. He’s developing his independence and building a deeper relationship with his father, Harry, played by Christian Slater.”
Dexter: Original Sin airs new episodes on Paramount+ every Friday, followed by Sunday broadcasts on Showtime.
