The actor who played Harrison's first victim was thrilled when he landed the role.
It’s been four days since Dexter: Resurrection launched with a chilling two-episode premiere exclusively on Paramount+ Premium, and the buzz around the series continues to grow.
As fans eagerly await Episode 3, titled "Backseat Driver", behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew are starting to surface—shedding light on the intense creative process behind the new chapter of the Dexter franchise.
One standout voice is actor Bryan Lillis, who made a memorable first impression in the premiere as Ryan Foster—a shady hotel resident hiding some truly dark secrets. Though his character meets a grisly end at the hands of Harrison Morgan, Lillis’ involvement in the series is far from over.
Bryan Lillis on Playing Ryan Foster—and Becoming a Haunting Figure for Harrison
Lillis, whose casting was first revealed on April 2nd, sat down with Bleeding Cool to reflect on his experience joining a franchise he’s long admired. He revealed that Ryan will continue to appear in upcoming episodes—not as a living presence, but as a haunting figure in Harrison’s mind. That required Lillis to undergo special makeup sessions to convincingly portray a "ghostly" version of his character.
On Landing the Role: “I Geeked Out—Hard”
Lillis’s passion for Dexter is undeniable. The actor admitted he’s seen the series all the way through seven times.
“I originally got the audition from my manager back in November of last year. I completely geeked out because I'm a huge fanboy of the show,” he said. “When I got the call that I was going to be joining, I did some jumping jacks and cartwheels.”
On Playing a Villain in a Show He Loves
Despite his admiration for the series, Lillis wasn’t disappointed to play a short-lived antagonist—in fact, he embraced it.
“Oh gosh, it certainly resonates with me. I feel so honored and grateful to be any part of it,” he explained. “Being such a fan of the show, and getting to work with Clyde [Phillips], Marcos [Siega], and Scott [Reynolds]—they did such a great job creating this universe. Even though Ryan is evil, it’s going to be fun to see how his presence lingers with Harrison.”
Praise for the Dexter: Resurrection Creative Team
Lillis had nothing but admiration for the show’s powerhouse creative trio: showrunner Clyde Phillips, writer/producer Scott Reynolds, and director Marcos Siega.
“They couldn’t have been nicer, humbler, cooler—just really down-to-earth family guys. Marcos is the most welcoming director ever. He had such a strong vision, from the colors to the music, but he was also incredibly open. Clyde and Scott were on set every day. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”
Filming the Premiere's Brutal Scenes—and Reuniting with a Familiar Face
In Episode 1, Ryan Foster is involved in both a violent altercation with Harrison (Jack Alcott) and a disturbing, suggestive scene with Shauna (McKaley Miller). Lillis opened up about the filming process—and the surprising personal connection that made things even more surreal.
“Jack and I met with a stunt coordinator to map out our fight scene. It was like a dream come true—just full action mode,” he said. “As for McKaley, we’ve actually known each other for years. She was at my wedding seven years ago! So when we realized we’d be filming together, it was this wild full-circle moment.”
Both scenes were handled with professionalism and care, he added, noting that an intimacy coordinator was present on set.
“We were very respectful of each other’s space throughout. The whole team made sure we felt comfortable.”
Yes, That Was Him on the Metal Table—And It Was Freezing
One of the premiere’s most unforgettable moments features Harrison dragging Ryan’s body onto a metal table—prepping for what looked like a Dexter-style dismemberment. And yes, that was really Lillis lying there.
“I was the one wrapped up in the bag, dragged into the kitchen, and thrown onto the table. It was 10 degrees outside, and that kitchen was maybe in the 40s. Everyone else had jackets on, and I was basically naked under a modesty cover,” he laughed. “It was absolutely freezing.”
What’s Next for Ryan Foster?
While Ryan Foster may be dead, his story isn’t quite over. As teased in a brief hallucination during the premiere, Ryan will continue to appear in Harrison’s subconscious—possibly serving as a metaphor for guilt, trauma, or a sign that he might be his downfall.