The actor also shared the story of how he helped initiate Dexter’s return for another revival.
The promotional campaign for Dexter: Resurrection is gaining momentum, and following Uma Thurman’s recent appearance, it was Michael C. Hall’s turn to step back into the spotlight. The beloved actor made a special visit to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert last night, offering fans fresh insights into his return as the iconic Dexter Morgan — the role that forever changed his career.
During the candid interview, Hall opened up about how the idea for Dexter’s return first began to take shape — and it all started with a simple conversation.
“You know, after some time passed, I was talking with Marcos Siega, our director,” Hall shared. “I was just missing the camaraderie, appreciating what a unique thing it is to work with people you love on something you love. And I just said, ‘What if he didn’t die? Is that crazy? I mean, he’s a resilient guy.’”
That spark of an idea turned into something much bigger. “One thing led to another. Next thing I know, conversations had started about how it might happen… and those conversations gained some funding,” he said with a laugh.
Hall even joked about Dexter’s supposed survival:
“We didn’t see the scene, but yeah… he took a lot of vitamins that morning.”
Hall’s Mom: From Monastery Ideas to Midnight Worries
The conversation took a charming turn when Colbert asked about Hall’s mother and whether she’s ever given him ideas for Dexter’s storyline.
“She has,” Hall said with a smile. “There was a time when I was coming back to the show, and she thought it might be a good idea if Dexter just joined a monastery. I think she meant well — she just wants him to be at peace. I don’t know that anyone would actually want to watch that show though.”
But what does she really think about her son being known for playing a blood-spatter analyst turned vigilante serial killer?
“I wish she could sit right here and answer that herself,” Hall said. “But I think she’s sort of… bemused by it all.”
A Muddy Playground and the Birth of Dexter?
In one of the most memorable moments of the interview, Hall shared a story from his childhood that oddly echoes the darker, more primal instincts of his onscreen character.
“My mom tells this story from the '70s — I was in first grade. I’d just gotten a new pair of Zips — they were blue with a yellow stripe. I was so excited. But then I got some mud on them during recess, and I just started crying,” Hall recounted.
“Some older kid — second or third grade — started laughing at me. And apparently, I attacked him. I don’t really remember it, but my mom does. When Dexter first came out, she said, ‘Yeah, I remember when you attacked that kid over your muddy Zips… You had it in you.’”
Hall laughed, adding:
“If I’m ever at work and struggling to get into a scene, I just think of my muddy Zips.”
The video interview below also features a sneak peek from Dexter: Resurrection, which we shared earlier today here on Dexter Daily. If you'd prefer to avoid spoilers, skip ahead to 1:03 in the video below!