Here’s when and where Michael C. Hall first expressed his desire to bring Dexter back.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been nearly a year since Clyde Phillips stunned fans at San Diego Comic-Con during the Dexter: Original Sin panel with an unexpected and electrifying announcement: Michael C. Hall would be returning as Dexter Morgan in a brand-new sequel series, Dexter: Resurrection.
The news, while shocking, was met with overwhelming excitement from fans around the globe. After more than a decade of complex storytelling and a polarizing finale in New Blood, this revival felt like the fresh start no one saw coming — and yet, so many desperately hoped for.
Now, 11 months later, the wait is almost over. Dexter: Resurrection premieres next week, promising a thrilling continuation of one of television’s most iconic antiheroes.
The Twist No One Expected: Michael C. Hall Sparked the Revival
What makes this revival even more fascinating is that the idea to bring Dexter back didn’t come from the writers or the network — it came from Michael C. Hall himself. This is particularly surprising given that New Blood was designed to be a one-and-done season, culminating in Dexter’s death — a creative choice that Hall fully supported at the time.
Many, including director Marcos Siega, believed that his journey as Dexter had truly ended. In fact, in a January 2022 interview, Siega confidently dismissed the possibility of Hall ever reprising the role again.
“I could put that to bed right now,” he said when asked about another Dexter comeback. “Nobody wants Dexter to die. I didn’t want Dexter to die. I think the only person who wanted to put Dexter down was Michael. And he’s lived these 10 years since the finale with this thing: It doesn’t feel resolved, I’m not happy. There’s no other reason to come back, right?”
And yet, as fate would have it, that quote didn’t age well — in the best possible way.
The Moment Everything Changed: A Slice of Pizza and a Spark of Inspiration
Earlier today, Marcos Siega — who directed multiple episodes of the original Dexter series and New Blood — shared the moment that reignited Dexter’s story on his Instagram account. It happened in August 2023, during the filming and directing a music video for Hall’s band, Princess Goes.
The video, for their single “Come of Age,” was shot guerrilla-style in the heart of Times Square. No permits. No crew. Just a camera, a few friends, and the energy of New York City.
While grabbing a quick slice of pizza before filming, Michael turned to Siega and casually asked, “What if Dexter didn’t die?”
They laughed — but Siega instantly texted Clyde Phillips.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Here’s what Siega shared in his post today:
“Two years ago this August, I shot a music video for Michael’s band in Times Square. No permits, no budget, no crew—just a couple of friends, a camera, and the chaos of New York City.
While we were grabbing a quick slice before filming, Michael turned to me and said, ‘What if Dexter didn’t die?’ We laughed… and I immediately texted Clyde Phillips.
We ended up doing a few takes of the band walking through the crowd. Classic New York—no one paid us any mind. After one take, right in front of the Disney Store, a guy walked up to Michael and asked him to take a picture. I figured he recognized him and wanted a selfie with Dexter.
But nope — he just handed Michael his phone, posed with his friends, and Michael took the photo for them.
Two years later, here we are.
If Michael stood in front of that same Disney Store today, I doubt he’d go unnoticed. I can’t wait for July 11!”
Final Thoughts: A Revival Fueled by Unfinished Business
What started as a spontaneous “what if” moment has now evolved into Dexter: Resurrection, a highly anticipated sequel series that could redefine Dexter’s legacy. Michael C. Hall’s willingness to step back into Dexter’s dark world speaks volumes. This isn’t just fan service; it’s a story that clearly still has more to tell.
Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images