We have a new update on the Trinity prequel series—and unfortunately, it’s not a hopeful one.
It’s hard to believe, but it has already been two and a half years since Showtime and Paramount first revealed their ambitious plans to expand the Dexter universe. Back in February 2023—just one year after the Dexter: New Blood finale aired—multiple reports surfaced about upcoming spin-offs.
Among them were a young Dexter prequel tentatively titled Dexter: Origins, a Harrison Morgan-focused continuation (essentially Dexter: New Blood season 2), and a series centered on the early years of the notorious Trinity Killer, Arthur Mitchell.
Fast forward to today, and only one of those projects (Dexter: Original Sin) actually made it to the screen—before being abruptly canceled after just one season by Paramount’s new leadership following its merger with Skydance. The Harrison spin-off was shelved once Michael C. Hall expressed interest in reprising his role, paving the way for Dexter: Resurrection. That left only the long-discussed Trinity Killer prequel on the table… or so fans thought.
The Drama Behind the Trinity Prequel
The Trinity prequel has been in development limbo for years. Official updates trickled in throughout 2023 and 2024, including the exciting news that all 10 episodes had been fully written and that John Lithgow would return to narrate the series in the same way Hall narrates Dexter’s iconic inner monologues.
In June 2025, while promoting Dexter: Resurrection, showrunner Clyde Phillips described the Trinity prequel as “beautifully written” and confirmed the scripts were ready to go. At that time, there was still hope the project might eventually move forward.
But things have shifted dramatically since Paramount’s leadership change.
Clyde Phillips Casts Doubt on the Series
In a brand-new episode of the Dissecting Dexter podcast, Clyde Phillips gave his most candid update yet. When asked about the status of the Trinity prequel, his answer was far less optimistic than before:
“It’s on the back burner and honestly I don’t think they’re gonna go for it. I just think they’re interested in Dexter: Resurrection. If they cancel Original Sin, which was a built-in hit, how are they going to pick up the Trinity prequel? I don’t see them doing it.”
Phillips reiterated that the scripts exist but admitted that the changing priorities at Paramount all but killed the project. He also opened up about the personal cost of developing the Dexter spin-off universe:
“I live on the East Coast. I was in LA for over a year with my writers. I saw my wife four times that year while we were creating these shows and building the ‘Dexter-verse.’ Then the merger happened and Paramount had other plans. It’s their show, their money, and they can do what they want.”
The Future of Dexter on TV
For now, Paramount’s focus is on Dexter: Resurrection, which brings Michael C. Hall back into the spotlight. With that much star power and franchise potential, the Trinity prequel seems destined to remain shelved—no matter how promising those 10 scripts might be.
What do you think?
Are you disappointed the Dexter Trinity prequel won’t see the light of day, or do you prefer that Paramount put all its energy into Dexter: Resurrection? Share your thoughts in the comments below.