The acclaimed actor, who joined the upcoming season as the notorious serial killer, recently opened up about his role and shared an unexpected description of the New York Ripper.
Brian Cox's New York Ripper is one of the biggest additions to Dexter: Resurrection, and fans have been eager to learn more about the mysterious serial killer ever since his casting was announced.
After months of set photos from New York City, the legendary actor shared a few words about the role. While he couldn't reveal much, one description definitely stood out, and it tells us a lot about what to expect from one of the show's next main antagonists.
The First Insight Into Don Framt
Back in April, while promoting his indie comedy-drama film Glenrothan on the YouTube channel Kermode and Mayo's Take, Cox briefly spoke about an upcoming project without mentioning Dexter: Resurrection or the New York Ripper by name. At the time, his casting hadn't been officially confirmed, but it's actually clear he was talking about the role.
Cox explained that he had recently traveled to New York City to try on costumes for the character. When the interviewer asked if the clothes suited him, he laughed and replied:
"Oh, well, no." He then summed up the character in two unforgettable words: "Because I'm playing an absolute slob."
"The Worst Clothes Ever"
Cox went on to explain just how different the character's wardrobe is from his own style.
"They were the worst clothes ever. I had to wear shirts that I would not be seen. My corpse would not be seen in."
The comment is funny, but it also fits perfectly, since Brian Cox has long been known as one of Hollywood's most stylish actors. Wearing clothes that he jokingly says even his "corpse" would not be seen in is actually as far from his personal taste as it gets.
The actor also revealed another important detail about Don Framt:
"I'm also in a wheelchair. So, I had to also practice in my wheelchair as well."
What Brian Cox's Comments Reveal About Don Framt
Although this is the first time Brian Cox has publicly spoken about playing the New York Ripper, the interview went unnoticed for months because it was buried inside a 43-minute press interview focused on Glenrothan.
Of course, Cox couldn't reveal any story details because of contract restrictions. Still, calling Don Framt an "absolute slob" definitely gives us a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Everything we've seen from the set actually supports that description. The New York Ripper appears to be an elderly man living alone in poor conditions, with worn-out, stained clothes and, of course, a reliance on a wheelchair.
That creates an interesting contrast for the season's main villain. This is a serial killer who managed to avoid justice for decades after terrorizing New York City, yet is now facing the reality of old age and physical decline. It will be exciting to see how Dex handles an opponent who may no longer be at his physical peak, but... could still be every bit as dangerous.
You can watch the excerpt from Brian Cox's interview about the New York Ripper right below.
Images: Karwai Tang and Bauer Griffin via Getty