These five characters are strong candidates for a return in the Dexter sequel.
Warning: This article contains Dexter: Resurrection spoilers, along with speculation based on casting news and production insights. Proceed with caution!
Let’s face it—Dexter may not have supernatural elements, but it’s always found clever ways to bring back the dead. Unlike other shows that rely on dream sequences or traditional flashbacks, Dexter carved its own path by turning deceased characters into haunting reflections of Dexter’s inner psyche.
This narrative device unofficially began in Season 2 but became canon in Season 3 when the late Harry Morgan—Dexter’s adoptive father—was integrated into the main cast as Dexter’s internal moral compass. James Remar remained a series regular until the original finale in 2013, serving as Dexter’s guiding voice.
Fast forward nearly two decades: 19 years after the series premiered and 12 years after the original finale, we’re here again—and so is Harry. Showtime officially confirmed that James Remar will reprise his role as Harry Morgan in Dexter: Resurrection, continuing his function as Dexter’s subconscious guide, just like in the original series.
The Price of Resurrection: No Debra Morgan
However, not every fan favorite is returning. Jennifer Carpenter has officially opted out of Dexter: Resurrection. While some rumors suggested otherwise, the actress herself confirmed that she’s stepping away from the franchise, despite reprising her role in Dexter: New Blood.
Hallucinations Galore: Trinity and Miguel Prado
The return of Harry Morgan won’t be a solo act. In a thrilling reveal, John Lithgow—aka the infamous Trinity Killer—confirmed he filmed a scene for Dexter: Resurrection. He described his appearance as a “phantom,” seen while Dexter is regaining consciousness in a hospital.
Joining him is another iconic villain: Jimmy Smits is confirmed to reprise his role as Miguel Prado from Season 3. Though details are under wraps, all signs point to him appearing in the same haunting hospital hallucination as Trinity.
So who’s next?
Let’s explore the top characters likely to return in Dexter’s hallucinations—especially those with deep psychological impact on his journey.
1. James Doakes (Erik King)
Few characters left a mark like Sergeant James Doakes. Portrayed by Erik King, Doakes was Dexter’s relentless pursuer and eventual scapegoat for the Bay Harbor Butcher killings. Though he died in Season 2, he made a surprise return via flashback in the Season 7 finale.
More recently, King has remained closely tied to the franchise, appearing as a recurring host on Dexter: Kill Room, Showtime’s prelude to Original Sin. Given his impact on Dexter’s life—and his popularity among fans—it’s highly likely we’ll see Doakes again, possibly alongside Trinity and Miguel in the hospital sequence.
2. Lila West (Jaime Murray)
Love her or hate her, Lila West was unforgettable. Played by Jaime Murray, Lila was introduced in Season 2 as Dexter’s Narcotics Anonymous sponsor-turned-obsessive lover. Her chaotic presence ended with her murdering Doakes—an act that inadvertently ensured Dexter’s freedom.
Despite her short stint, Lila was instrumental in shaping Dexter’s path. Given her pivotal role and cult status, her return as a hallucination feels not only plausible but narratively justified.
3. Hannah McKay (Yvonne Strahovski)
Perhaps the most controversial character in Dexter history, Hannah McKay was Dexter’s final love interest, introduced in Season 7. Played by Yvonne Strahovski, Hannah was both a lover and a killer—embodying Dexter’s hope for a new life in Argentina.
In New Blood, it was revealed that Hannah died offscreen from an illness while raising Harrison. Though Strahovski’s return remains uncertain since Clyde Phillips is now the showrunner, Hannah’s significance in Dexter’s life makes her a strong candidate for a surprise cameo—especially if Resurrection explores guilt and unresolved feelings.
4. Maria LaGuerta (Lauren Vélez)
Captain Maria LaGuerta—portrayed by Luna Lauren Vélez—was a longstanding Miami Metro figure and one of Dexter’s most formidable adversaries. She was the first to suspect Dexter’s true identity post-Doakes and nearly exposed him before Deb made the devastating choice to kill her.
Given her deep ties to both Dexter and Doakes, LaGuerta's inclusion—particularly in a scene involving guilt and memory—would be a natural fit. While not confirmed, her return seems more than likely later in the season if not in the hospital sequence.
5. Brian Moser (Christian Camargo)
Dexter’s biological brother and first major adversary, Brian Moser, aka the Ice Truck Killer, continues to fascinate fans—especially a new generation rediscovering the show via TikTok. Played by Christian Camargo, Brian died in the Season 1 finale but returned twice: once in Season 2 during a metaphorical vision, and again in Season 6 as Dexter’s dark passenger during a morally ambiguous road trip.
Camargo has recently teased fans by playfully engaging with the rumors. With his legacy and psychological weight on Dexter, Brian feels like a must-have for any hallucinatory sequence diving into Dexter’s fractured mind.
Will More Ghosts from Dexter’s Past Return?
So far, the hallucination scene appears to focus on characters who deeply influenced Dexter’s morality, identity, or trauma. With Trinity, and Miguel already confirmed, and others like Doakes, Lila, Brian, and LaGuerta potentially joining in, the hospital sequence could be one of the most emotionally charged moments in the series.
As Dexter: Resurrection approaches, fans are left wondering: who else might return? Could we even see Rita, Lundy, or Deb in a surprise twist? It's worth noting that the upcoming series is expected to span multiple seasons—so these characters don’t necessarily have to appear in the first one.
Final Thoughts
One thing’s certain—Dexter: Resurrection is leaning into its legacy, not just by continuing Dexter Morgan’s story, but by confronting his past head-on. Whether these characters appear as hallucinations, flashbacks, or metaphorical guides, their return proves one thing: Dexter’s darkness never truly dies.
Who do you want to see return? Sound off in the comments below!