The renowned actress joined the Dexter universe, adding greater star power to the franchise.
From the very first episode of Dexter: Resurrection, fans were treated to a thrilling new addition to the series—Charley, a mysterious and powerful character portrayed by none other than Uma Thurman. Her casting sparked major buzz earlier this year, and now, with her screen debut, it's clear that the hype was well deserved.
Thurman, the iconic actress known for her unforgettable performances in Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill: Volumes 1 & 2, steps into the Dexter universe with confidence, style, and a chilling intensity that has already made her one of the most talked-about characters of the season.
While Uma Thurman’s character has already made a bold entrance, the same cannot yet be said for her on-screen counterpart Peter Dinklage, who is set to play Leon Prater—Charley’s enigmatic boss. Two episodes in, Dinklage has yet to appear on-screen, although his name is prominently listed in the credits. According to early plot details, Charley serves as Prater’s right hand. Prater himself is said to be obsessed with serial killers, hosting eerie gatherings centered around his fascination. With such an ominous setup, Dinklage’s eventual reveal is sure to be a major moment.
Charley’s introduction in Episode 1, “A Beating Heart...” instantly cemented her as a force to be reckoned with. Confident, cold, and clearly in control, she exudes danger and charisma in equal measure. Her mission appears to involve recruiting serial killers—and eliminating those who step out of line. That notion was brutally reinforced in Episode 2, when she confronted a suburban killer known as "The Canton Clubber" and delivered violent justice— beating him to death with his own weapon.
In a post-premiere interview with Variety, showrunner Clyde Phillips shared behind-the-scenes insights into Thurman’s role, her performance, and the creative choices that made her debut chilling.
A Cinematic Entrance Set to a Killer Soundtrack
Phillips revealed that scoring Charley’s entrance with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ “Red Right Hand”—a song famously tied to Scream and its legacy of killers—was no coincidence:
“It was an intentional choice,” he said. “Funny enough, in that song, there is a gong sound. It was Uma’s idea to shoot her from behind all the way through to the reveal when she takes off that mask and we hit the gong from ‘Red Right Hand.’ We could have shown her face at any time. But it’s a really powerful moment, well edited and beautifully shot by Marcos Siega. And wonderfully acted by Uma.”
On Working With Uma Thurman: A Career High
Phillips didn’t hold back his admiration for Thurman’s involvement in the series:
“Pulp Fiction is the formative movie for just about everybody I know. I actually have the cover of the book framed in my office in New York. It just happens to be that she’s on the cover of it. Having someone as big a star as she is come into our Dexter-verse is a validation—and a thrill. What else can I say? I think it elevates everything. The whole show lifts up a little bit when you have somebody like her involved.”
Weapon of Choice: A Spiked Bat and Ice-Cold Dedication
One of the most brutal moments yet from Charley’s scenes involves her wielding a spiked baseball bat against "The Canton Clubber"—something Phillips described with a mix of awe and admiration:
“That was a freezing day. We were standing next to a frozen pond. And she had to wear her costume, which wasn’t meant for cold weather. But she was a complete trooper—trying things different ways, always bringing good ideas. And her presence!”
Asked whether Thurman enjoyed diving into the action so quickly, Phillips responded:
“Oh yeah. She’s very agile and physical already. There was that, and there will be some gunplay coming up. She’s just great at it.”
What's Next for Charley and Leon Prater?
As Dexter: Resurrection unfolds, fans are eagerly awaiting Peter Dinklage’s debut as Leon Prater—and his dynamic with Charley. With early signs pointing to a dark, manipulative relationship rooted in obsession and power, the stage is set for an explosive season.