Movies

‘Can you unkill me?’: How Michael C. Hall revived his killer role for ‘Dexter: Resurrection’

BBG News

Death becomes Michael C. Hall.

In the acclaimed HBO series “Six Feet Under,” Hall garnered frequent accolades for his portrayal of David Fisher, a secretly gay individual from a troubled family who run a funeral home.

The role of Dexter Morgan, the Miami-based blood spatter analyst who secretly killed people while maintaining his star status, secured an actor’s fame in the popular series “Dexter” on Showtime. This dark comedy drama was a hit during its eight-season run from 2006 to 2013. A reboot titled “Dexter: New Blood” premiered in 2021 and received good viewership ratings.

The final episode of that limited series is remembered for the dramatic moment when Dexter Morgan, portrayed by Jack Alcott as Harrison, fatally shot his emotionally troubled father. Despite knowing that die-hard fans might be disappointed by Morgan’s death, showrunner Hall was determined to bring the “Dexter” storyline to a close.

In the 2022 Times interview, Hall expressed that the conclusion seemed reasonable. Although it might be distressing, he hopes viewers will recognize and value the poignancy in Dexter’s death being orchestrated by his own son.

At that point, he made it clear that he was eager to move past the role he had played intermittently since 2006: “Performing as Dexter… was exhilarating. It was a unique experience I never thought I’d have again. However, the longing for finality stemmed from my need to progress.

Instead of ending up six feet deep, Dexter has been given a second chance at life. Remarkably, he survived the gunshot that was believed to be fatal, and is poised to continue his vigilante crusade in “Dexter: Resurrection,” which premieres on July 11 with two episodes on Paramount+ and Showtime.

Hall expresses his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled that Dexter’s story is going to continue, and I believe the audience will enjoy it.

Before bidding farewell to the set on the final day of filming, I couldn’t help but notice Hall’s cheerful disposition during our video call from New York. It was evident that he found Dexter’s post-death life agreeable and is eager to continue portraying Morgan for as long as the story unfolds.

Hall stated, ‘I’m not suggesting that this season is just a fleeting moment. We didn’t envision it as a one-time occurrence when we started. As for what lies ahead, I believe there will be opportunities beyond this point.’

Showrunner and executive producer Clyde Phillips, the original series creator, is eagerly taking up his “Dexter” responsibilities once more with renewed excitement.

In a phone conversation, Phillips expressed, “When Michael contacted me, I felt an intense excitement. He asked, ‘Dexter is part of both our identities. Can you bring me back to life by undoing my death?’

The story begins as Morgan emerges from a 10-day coma. Upon his recuperation, he decides to leave the fictional small town of Iron Lake, where he had been residing under an assumed identity. His destination: New York City, where he intends to locate — and hopefully rekindle relationships with — Harrison, who is employed at a hotel.

In due course, Morgan’s predatory tendencies reemerge, leading him to align with a band of other serial killers. The ensemble of this 10-episode series comprises Uma Thurman, Peter Dinklage, Neil Patrick Harris, and Eric Stonestreet.

In the realm of television, I’ve had the pleasure of peeking into “Dexter: Original Sin” ahead of its December premiere, and let me tell you, it’s been given a green light for another season! This captivating prequel introduces us to a younger Dexter Morgan, portrayed by Patrick Gibson, who navigates the darker corners of his psyche while interning at Miami Metro as a forensics assistant. Much like in “Dexter,” Michael C. Hall lends his voice for the insight into Dexter’s inner monologue.

In the upcoming “Dexter” series, we see the return of James Remar as the spirit of Harry Morgan, Dexter’s foster father, and David Zayas as Detective Angel Batista. Unlike the original, this new drama has a distinctly fresh feel to it.

Hall, who’s also an executive producer, stated that New York offers a fresh setting – a distinct climate and job opportunities – for him. Dexter’s apparent demise in ‘New Blood’ instead provides his character with a renewed existence, both literally and symbolically, according to him.

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1. David Zayas will once again play Det. Angel Batista in “Dexter: Resurrection.”

2. Uma Thurman has been added to the cast as Charley, while Peter Dinklage takes on the role of Leon Prater.

3. In addition, Eric Stonestreet will make a guest appearance.

Dexter not meeting his demise gave the character a level of freedom,” he explained. “He can’t return to being his old self, but he can rediscover some of the core charm that defines him. He’s aware of his past, but he’s not carrying it as a burden like before. Instead, he’s learning to let it be.

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed an interesting change in Michael C. Hall’s character between the two series: “I understand that Dexter is now in his fifties. In the initial ‘Dexter’ episode, he was a fit 33-year-old. Now, he’s healing from a gunshot wound, which means he moves more cautiously and needs to be even more clever.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by Dexter’s relentless pursuit. At the heart of his crusade lies a set of rules passed down from his father – a vow to eliminate those criminals who have evaded justice. For Dexter, this code is not just a means to an end, but a cornerstone of his identity and the very essence of the series.

In the story “New Blood,” the breach of the code ultimately led to Morgan’s downfall. Following his detainment as a suspected killer in Iron Lake, Dexter, during an escape from custody, took the life of a police sergeant who had developed a strong bond with his son, Harrison.

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Similarly to its supporters, the actor didn’t appreciate how ‘Dexter’ concluded initially. The finale of ‘New Blood’, however, offered an opportunity for redemption.

Hall commented on Dexter’s predicament, saying he was pushed into a tight spot. The thought of facing the consequences of his reckless actions, which included disregarding his father’s rules, was unbearable for him. He subtly hinted at wanting his son to harm him. It seemed clear that Dexter had evolved into someone who needed to be eliminated.

However, “New Blood” aimed to rectify a significant misstep in the conclusion of “Dexter” – its final episode.

In the given episode, Morgan chose to remove his foster sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) from life support following her stroke. After placing her body out at sea for disposal, a grief-stricken Morgan intentionally navigated his boat towards an incoming hurricane, suggesting a suicide attempt. However, as the story unfolded, it was revealed that he miraculously survived, ending up in a secluded town distant from Miami and embarking on a fresh life as a lumberjack.

A multitude of viewers expressed anger over the confusing and ambiguous finale, but later, Hall agreed with them, stating that the resolution in “New Blood” was far clearer and conclusive.

In a storytelling sense, it was understandable, according to Hall. However, on an emotional level, it appeared challenging for individuals to accept his departure in such a manner.

The key to Hall’s interest in reviving the beloved character was getting distance from him.

He mentioned that he needed a moment to regain his breath, attend to other matters, and continue with life’s normal flow. Following his role in “New Blood”, he embarked on various projects such as appearing in the Broadway revival of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” and performing with his band, previously known as Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum, now simply referred to as Princess Goes.

Even though numerous attempts had been made, along with other efforts, the hope of bringing back Dexter continued to linger in the mind of Hall (the creator), the devoted fans, and the executives at Paramount Network (the producers of the series).

Back in the day, I experienced a cinematic ignition like no other while witnessing an unconventional filming extravaganza in the heart of Times Square, orchestrated for Princess Goes. This groundbreaking project was masterfully directed by Marcos Siega, a director who had previously steered several episodes of the hit series “Dexter.

Reflecting on seeing Siega and recollecting our exceptional colleagues throughout the years sparked a thought in me: ‘It might sound absurd, but what if Dexter hadn’t met his end?’ Hall pondered. Enthralled by this concept, I found myself drawn to it, and as I voiced my idea to others, I discovered there was a receptiveness to the possibility.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but share an intriguing piece of news I came across. From what I gather, the production house delved into their own investigations and found that viewers found it more convincing that Morgan didn’t meet his end in “New Blood.” This tidbit was shared by none other than Hall, a key figure in the studio.

Fans were thrilled beyond words following ‘New Blood’, as they have such a strong affection for the character,” Phillips noted. “It’s heartening to see that Michael chose to reprise his role.

When queried about the longevity of his character, Hall replied with a smile: “Dexter is admired or cherished in various ways, yet he’s truly defined by his resilience. It’s evident that people enjoy being in the company of one who takes responsibility for their own shadows. We all possess our share of shadows. Dexter’s, however, stands out as particularly formidable.

Phillips attributed Hall’s skill in portraying the character for its widespread appeal. “When Michael appears on screen, there’s a sense of power and connection with him,” he explained. “Despite his good looks and fitness, he embodies the common man. This relatability resonates with viewers. Dexter isn’t about Jeffery Dahmer or Ted Bundy; rather, he’s been dubbed America’s favorite serial killer.

The least of Hall’s challenges was getting back into “Dexter” mode.

As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve found myself reflecting on a peculiar observation: “Ever since I embarked on this journey, I’ve undergone cellular regeneration thrice over. This means that if Dexter is no longer part of my physical being, he’s surely etched within me somehow.

He grinned once more: “It’s oddly normal to come back to Dexter, which is itself odd. This peculiarity stems from the scripts and stories. I simply let go and immerse myself in it. Regardless if I revisit Dexter or not, it will always be my most notable achievement… or my longest-lasting one.

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2025-07-02 13:31

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