Before Remar was cast as Dexter’s father, another actor auditioned for the role but ended up playing a different character.
One of the most interesting aspects of any TV show or movie (yet something many viewers rarely think about) is the casting process. It is incredibly common for multiple actors to be considered or even audition for the same role, only for someone else to end up getting the part. And when it comes to Dexter, the story is no different.
Over the years, we’ve heard a few behind-the-scenes stories about actors who almost played key roles on the series. But one of the most recent revelations is especially intriguing, as it actually involves the role of Harry Morgan, Dexter’s adoptive father.
Before James Remar was cast as the iconic Harry, another actor was actually brought in specifically for that role: Geoff Pierson.
In a recent Zoom interview on YouTube’s The Brett Allan Show, Pierson reflected on his experience two decades later, sharing how his journey with Dexter first began. During the conversation, he revealed that he originally auditioned for Harry Morgan but ultimately lost the role when Remar secured it.
“I was called in by the casting director, who I already knew because we’d worked together on several other projects, to read for the part of Harry. They originally had me in mind for Dexter’s father, and then they hired James Remar for that role, who was terrific in it. After that, they offered me the part of Miami Metro Police Captain Tom Matthews. That’s how it happened, I never even auditioned for that part.”
It is actually not too hard to imagine Pierson as Harry, but his portrayal of Captain Tom Matthews turned out to be a perfect fit. His authority and interactions at Miami Metro were enough to make Matthews one of Dexter’s most memorable supporting characters.
Interestingly, this casting...twist mirrors another story from the OG Dexter series. A few years ago, Julie Benz revealed that she initially auditioned for the role of Debra Morgan. After several auditions, however, the casting team decided she was better suited for the role of Rita, Dexter’s girlfriend and eventual wife, a decision that actually paid off. Things like these only prove how unpredictable the casting process can be.
What about you? Can you picture Geoff Pierson as Harry Morgan, or do you think James Remar was the perfect choice for the role?