Dexter: Original Sin cancelled – What does this mean for the Trinity Killer prequel?
The Dexter universe has taken another hit. Showtime has officially cancelled Dexter: Original Sin, the prequel series set 15 years before the original show. Fans are gutted by the decision, especially since the project was initially renewed earlier this year and had generated massive buzz following its announcement.
With Original Sin gone, the big question now is: what will happen to the other long-rumored prequel series—the one centered around the infamous Trinity Killer, Arthur Mitchell?
The Trinity Killer Prequel: A Brief History
Back in early 2023, Showtime announced plans for multiple Dexter spinoffs, including Original Sin and a prequel following a younger Arthur Mitchell, better known as the Trinity Killer.
By late 2024, showrunner Clyde Phillips and executive producer Scott Reynolds had reportedly completed a full 10-episode script for the Trinity project. However, it was never confirmed whether the series was designed as a limited run or something longer. The fate of the show was said to hinge on the success of Dexter: Original Sin and Dexter: Resurrection.
Now, with Original Sin officially axed, the outlook for the Trinity prequel has grown increasingly bleak.
Why the Trinity Killer Prequel Looks Unlikely
There are three major reasons why the project appears to be dead in the water:
1. The Cancellation of Dexter: Original Sin
Despite record-breaking viewership during its initial run last winter, Showtime pulled the plug. If a series focusing on young Dexter himself couldn’t survive, the chances of a prequel centered on a secondary character—even one as iconic as Trinity—are slim at best.
2. The Departure of Paramount Co-CEO Chris McCarthy
McCarthy was one of the strongest advocates for prequels and franchise expansions. With his exit, new leadership may not share the same enthusiasm for continuing to mine the Dexter universe in this way.
3. The Paramount-Skydance Merger
With Skydance now playing a central role in Paramount’s strategy, priorities are shifting. Projects developed under the previous leadership, including spinoffs and prequels, are likely being reevaluated—and in many cases, shelved.
Is There Still Hope?
So, does the Trinity Killer prequel have any chance of making it to the screen? Realistically, the answer right now is no. While a fully written script exists, Showtime’s recent decisions strongly suggest that the network is moving away from prequel content. Unless the material is considered groundbreaking enough to warrant a fresh push under the new leadership, the Trinity series will likely remain in limbo.
Still, Dexter fans know better than anyone that this franchise has a way of coming back when least expected. From Dexter: New Blood to Dexter: Resurrection, Showtime has revived the Morgan legacy before. If the demand remains high—and it always is when it comes to the Trinity Killer—there’s a slim chance we may one day see Arthur Mitchell’s origin story brought to life.