Everything we know about the prequel series centered on a young Arthur Mitchell.
One of the most terrifying and iconic antagonists in television history is getting his own origin story. The Dexter universe is expanding once again, following the record-breaking success of Dexter: New Blood in 2021. After Dexter: Original Sin—which completed its first season and its second in the works—fans can now look forward to Dexter: Resurrection, premiering July 11 and starring the one and only Michael C. Hall.
And now, Showtime is preparing to dive deeper into the twisted mind of Arthur Mitchell, a.k.a. the infamous Trinity Killer, with a brand-new prequel series.
The Dexter Universe Is Growing
With Dexter celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, the franchise remains Showtime’s crown jewel. Its enduring popularity and cultural impact have paved the way for an expanded universe of interconnected series, dubbed the Dexter-verse. For Paramount and Showtime, continuing this legacy was inevitable.
Among the most buzzworthy projects in development is the Trinity Killer prequel, which has been in the works since February 2023. Although it hasn’t officially been ordered to series yet, momentum is clearly building.
Is the Trinity Prequel Official?
While the Trinity prequel hasn't received a full series order as of now, things are looking promising. Clyde Phillips hinted that the show's greenlight would depend on the performance of Dexter: Original Sin and whether it secured a second season. Now that Original Sin is confirmed to return, the Trinity project is all but guaranteed to move forward.
Even more encouraging: the show's scripts have already been completed, according to its showrunner. That means production could begin as soon as the greenlight is given.
What Will the Trinity Prequel Be About?
Though official plot details are still under wraps, the series will chronicle the early life of Arthur Mitchell, exploring the psychological descent of the man who would eventually become the notorious Trinity Killer. The show is expected to offer a dark, dramatic exploration of his formative years—potentially spanning his teenage to early adult life.
Who Will Star in the Trinity Prequel?
As of now, the lead actor playing young Arthur Mitchell has not been announced. The casting process is being kept tightly under wraps. However, in a recent interview, John Lithgow, who famously portrayed the original Trinity Killer in Dexter Season 4, offered advice to his future counterpart: “Just be on his side. Not an easy thing to do with the Trinity Killer, but be on his side.”
John Lithgow Returns as Narrator
Although Lithgow won’t reprise his role on-screen, he will return as the narrator of the series—similar to how Michael C. Hall narrates Dexter: Original Sin. Lithgow has been busy lately, having been cast as Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter reboot, but will lend his voice to this spine-chilling prequel project.
Who’s Behind the Trinity Prequel?
The series will be helmed by Clyde Phillips, the creative force behind Dexter Seasons 1–4, New Blood, Original Sin, and Resurrection. He’s joined by longtime collaborator Scott Reynolds, who will serve as both writer and executive producer.
How Many Episodes Will It Have?
While the exact episode count hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected that the Trinity prequel will follow the 10-episode format established by New Blood, Original Sin, and Resurrection.
When Will Filming Begin?
There’s no confirmed production start date yet, but filming is likely to begin shortly after the official greenlight and casting announcements.
Trinity Killer Prequel Release Date
As of now, no official release date has been announced. However, based on current timelines and development progress, a 2026 premiere is the most realistic scenario.
Stay Tuned for More
The Dexter franchise continues to evolve, captivating both longtime fans and new audiences. With Dexter: Resurrection launching this July and Original Sin gearing up for its second season, the Trinity Killer prequel is poised to be the next big chapter in this gripping universe.