The acclaimed actor has only praise for being part of the franchise.
It was on February 11 when months of speculation finally came to an end: Peter Dinklage officially joined the cast of Dexter: Resurrection. At the time, Showtime described his role as a “series regular,” and just a few weeks later, the Emmy-winning actor was spotted on set, beginning with Episode 4.
Dinklage’s introduction came in the fan-favorite episode “Call Me Red,” and from the very first scene, he was a standout. His character, Leon Prater, immediately felt different from any villain we had seen in the Dexter universe. A billionaire with a dark fascination for serial killers, Prater was layered, mysterious, and unpredictable.
By the time the first season wrapped, one thing was certain: Leon Prater had cemented himself as one of Dexter’s most unforgettable antagonists. And with Dinklage’s powerhouse performance, the character became even more compelling, proving once again why the actor is considered one of Hollywood’s elite.
Leon Prater: A Different Kind of Big Bad
Unlike Dexter’s typical foes—methodical serial killers with years of experience—Leon Prater was not a seasoned predator. His first kill, the shocking murder of Angel Batista, was a reckless and impulsive act that devastated fans. But as the next episode unfolded, Prater spiraled deeper into darkness. By the finale, he was fully unhinged, attempting to murder Harrison in cold blood, right before Dexter's eyes.
That chilling transformation confirmed Prater as the season’s true Big Bad. Yet what made him fascinating wasn’t just his brutality—it was the complexity Dinklage brought to the role. Viewers were torn between despising him and strangely empathizing with him, especially in his most desperate moments.
Peter Dinklage on Playing Leon Prater
Fans weren’t the only ones thrilled to see Peter Dinklage step into the Dexter universe—the actor himself embraced the challenge. In a behind-the-scenes featurette for the Season 1 finale (filmed back on April 6th while only six episodes had been shot), Dinklage spoke candidly about his experience and his vision for Leon Prater.
“It’s very hot on the kill table covered in plastic,” he joked about the moment Dexter eventually captures Prater.
But he also dove deeper into the psychology of the role, revealing his hope that audiences would feel conflicted rather than celebratory at Prater’s downfall:
“Michael and I were talking the other day, and strangely, I want a lot of people out there to not want Prater on the table. That’s where the complexity of it should come into play. Not like, ‘yeah, let’s get the bad guy,’ but—what if forgiveness enters the picture? What do you do when somebody terrible is begging for their life? It’s a horrific situation to be in.”
A Dream Experience on Set
Despite the show’s dark subject matter, Dinklage described filming Dexter: Resurrection as one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career:
“Working on Dexter has been dreamy. It really has,” he said. “The darker the material, the lighter the set almost—because you’ve got to balance it. Here we are murdering each other, but in between takes we’re just laughing. And that dialogue? It crackles. There’s nothing better for an actor.”
That sense of professionalism and creative energy defined the entire production. Filming took place from January through June, with the season debuting just a month later in July—a fast turnaround that highlighted the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
A Lasting Legacy in the Dexter Universe
Peter Dinklage’s portrayal of Leon Prater was a bold reimagining of what a “Big Bad” could be. By combining wealth, obsession, and human vulnerability, Prater stood apart from previous villains, leaving a mark that fans won’t soon forget.
And thanks to Dinklage’s incredible performance, Leon Prater is destined to be remembered as one of the most complex, and oddly sympathetic characters in Dexter history.