The ritual involved in filming those scenes is particularly special, according to the showrunner.
Fans of Dexter: Original Sin will need to wait a bit longer for the next chapter in the gripping prequel series. The show is on a scheduled one-week hiatus following the early Christmas surprise on December 20, when two episodes were released instead of one. The series will return with Season 1, Episode 7, titled "The Big Bad Body Problem," on January 24.
Behind the Scenes: The Ritual of Dexter’s Kill Room Scenes
Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, the Dexter franchise has followed meticulous protocols for crafting some of its most iconic moments—the kill room scenes. These moments define Dexter Morgan's dark, complex persona, giving viewers a chilling glimpse into his psyche.
Dating back to the original series (with the pilot filmed in spring 2005 and the rest of Season 1 in 2006), these scenes have consistently presented unique challenges for the actors involved. Performers playing Dexter's victims across Dexter, Dexter: New Blood, and Dexter: Original Sin face the daunting task of being wrapped in plastic for hours-long shoots.
Actors have described the experience as physically demanding. Whether contending with cold or heat depending on the season of filming, the discomfort is undeniable. A notable incident occurred during Dexter Season 3 when Jimmy Smits (Miguel Prado) accidentally came close to injuring actor and stuntman Jeff Chase during a kill scene with Dexter.
Fast forward to Dexter: Original Sin, set in 1991 Miami, where Patrick Gibson portrays a 20-year-old Dexter Morgan. The intense and ritualistic nature of these scenes remains unchanged. In a recent behind-the-scenes featurette for Episode 6, "The Joy of Killing," showrunner Clyde Phillips shed light on the respectful approach taken during filming.
"When we do those kills, it’s almost like a s*x scene. It’s almost like a closed set. You leave Paddy (Gibson) alone, you let him work his way up to it, and then the room gets very quiet. We’re very respectful of the actors and what they’re going through."
This deliberate and respectful atmosphere underscores the dedication of the cast and crew to ensuring authenticity while supporting the actors during these emotionally charged moments.
Michael C. Hall’s Mentorship
Patrick Gibson has also benefited from the guidance of Michael C. Hall, whose portrayal of Dexter Morgan in the original series remains legendary. Hall’s insights and experience have been invaluable in helping Gibson navigate the complexities of these iconic scenes.
Watch the Latest Featurette
Don’t miss the latest "post-mortem" featurette for Dexter: Original Sin Season 1, Episode 6. Get an exclusive look at the making of the episode and gain deeper insights into the creative process.
Stay tuned for Episode 7 of Dexter: Original Sin on January 24!