The actor revealed how many auditions he went through for the role of Dexter.
Earlier this month, just weeks before Dexter: Original Sin officially wrapped production, Patrick Gibson sat down for an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He shared insights into his audition process for the lead role in the Dexter prequel, discussed his tolerance for the sight of blood—a vital trait given the series’ reliance on artfully crafted gore—and reflected on the infamous young Dexter wig, first introduced in flashbacks during the original series' early seasons. Notably, the prequel’s timeline intersects with the iconic scene of Dexter’s first kill, where Michael C. Hall famously wore a hairpiece.
Paddy admitted that he finds filming kill scenes surprisingly therapeutic. “I know that sounds crazy,” he says with a laugh during a conversation with THR's Seija Rankin. “But it’s when Dexter is finally himself, and has dropped his mask, so it’s quite relaxing. I put that wig on and thought I looked bloody gorgeous, like, ‘I’ve arrived.’ ”
The opportunity to audition for Dexter: Original Sin came during what Patrick Gibson calls a lull between projects. “I was starting to feel like I was on a conveyor belt of audition tapes when this script landed,” he shares. “I had reservations about the idea of a prequel, but after reading it, I thought, ‘Oh, no—this is sharp.’”
According to THR, following eight or so auditions—and a Photoshop mockup proving that a dye job and brown contacts could enhance his resemblance to Michael C. Hall—Gibson landed the role of 20-year-old Dexter Morgan.
While relieved to learn he’d only wear the infamous wig for a few scenes Patrick found the rest of the makeover equally jarring. “They dyed my hair red, and that was weird for me at first,” says Gibson “They also did my eyebrows, so I had visible eyebrows for the first time in my life. I had to learn how to act with them.”
“I don’t think I’m fully prepared for this,” Gibson admits. “Once it’s out there, it’s not really mine anymore. But I hope I can bring something of myself to this character while still honoring what Michael C. Hall established.”
If you'd like to read the full interview, where Patrick Gibson also discusses Netflix's The OA, click here!
Photo 1: Credit to Mark Sutton | Photo 2: Credit to Jennifer McCord