The striking contrast between the two prequels is remarkable.
Prequel TV shows and movies have been everywhere in recent years, as networks try to squeeze more stories—and profits—out of beloved franchises. From Star Wars to Game of Thrones, Hollywood knows that revisiting a successful world is almost always a safe bet. The Dexter franchise is no exception.
Over the past two years, two separate prequel projects have captured headlines: Dexter: Original Sin, which explored the early years of Dexter Morgan, and a proposed series focused on a young Arthur Mitchell.
But while both shows were born from the same idea (delving into the origins of iconic characters) their fates and fan reception couldn’t be more different.
Dexter: Original Sin – A Prequel Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
When Dexter: Original Sin was first announced in February 2023, many fans were skeptical. A prequel about a young Dexter Morgan? Without Michael C. Hall? It sounded risky. Yet when the series finally premiered, opinions quickly shifted. Viewers praised the spot-on casting, immersive 1990s setting, and the seamless performances of the new actors who captured the essence of characters like Harry, Debra, and Dexter himself.
By April 2025, fan enthusiasm reached a high point when Paramount and Skydance announced a second season renewal. But the celebration was short-lived. On August 22, in a shocking move widely believed to be fallout from the Paramount–Skydance merger, the renewal was abruptly reversed. The prequel was un-renewed, leaving fans devastated.
The backlash was immediate and powerful. Within 29 days, nearly 98,000 fans signed petitions demanding that Dexter: Original Sin be saved—a staggering and nearly unprecedented response for a prequel series. The 100,000-signature milestone is now well within reach, with many hopeful that fan pressure could convince the studio to reconsider.
For many, the cancellation represents more than just the loss of a show. It’s the end of seeing Dexter’s untold story unfold through the 1990s and early 2000s, including long-awaited appearances from younger versions of fan favorites like James Doakes.
The Trinity Prequel – A Hard Sell From the Start
The reaction on social media has been almost universally dismissive, with many calling the project “unnecessary” and even “unwatchable.” Comments on Dexter Daily’s posts about the prequel have been laced with sarcasm, with fans questioning why anyone would want to spend hours following the origin story of such a horrific character. As one fan put it: “Why glorify the man who killed Rita?”
Clyde Phillips himself recently admitted in an interview that he doesn’t expect the Trinity prequel to move forward, especially after Original Sin was axed. If a series about young Dexter, the very heart of the franchise, couldn’t survive corporate cutbacks, the odds of a villain-centric spinoff being greenlit are close to zero.
Are Fans Being Too Harsh?
It’s easy to see why fans are hesitant. A series about Arthur Mitchell would have to walk a fine line between thoughtful exploration and, according to some, even glorification of one of TV’s most chilling villains. But with scripts already written by Phillips (the character’s creator) and Reynolds, a longtime Dexter writer and superfan, the project reportedly offered a beautifully crafted look into one of television’s most complex antagonists—and it might just be worth the risk.
Whether it was intended as a limited series or an ongoing show, there’s little doubt it could have been fascinating. Unfortunately, in the current climate, it seems destined to remain on the shelf.
The Future of Dexter Prequels
For now, the situation is clear:
- Dexter: Original Sin – Beloved by fans, canceled too soon, but still fighting for a second chance.
- Trinity Prequel – Written but unwanted, with virtually no fan campaign to bring it to life.
The contrast is striking. While Original Sin inspires petitions, hashtags, and heartfelt pleas for renewal, the Trinity prequel barely sparks a shrug.
Where Do You Stand?
Are you among the fans who believe Dexter: Original Sin deserves saving? Or do you think all prequels (no matter how well-made) are unnecessary? And what about the Trinity prequel: an intriguing idea or a disaster best avoided? Share your thoughts in the comments below.