Michael C. Hall, renowned for his portrayal of the infamous Dexter Morgan, has reflected on how his character continues to evolve, even two decades after the original series first graced television screens. In an insightful discussion with PEOPLE ahead of the new season of “Dexter: Resurrection,” Hall expressed surprise at the longevity of Dexter’s journey, highlighting the character’s unexpected complexity and growth throughout its various incarnations.
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Since stepping into the role of Dexter Morgan in 2006, Hall has journeyed through an intricate narrative arc that began with Dexter as a forensic blood-spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, who secretly functions as a vigilante serial killer. Following the completion of the original series, which spanned eight seasons, Hall revisited the character in 2021 with “Dexter: New Blood,” and is now set to continue that legacy with the upcoming season of “Dexter: Resurrection,” premiering on October 30.
Reflecting on Dexter’s evolution, Hall mentioned that he believes the character, faced with his own mortality, is “most surprised that he’s still alive.” He further mused that two decades ago, Dexter would have presumed he would either be dead or apprehended by now, considering his morally ambiguous lifestyle.
Having survived a near-fatal encounter that left him seemingly dead at the end of “New Blood,” Dexter is granted a second opportunity at life. This experience, Hall suggests, fundamentally alters his character’s perspective. “Ever since he was resurrected,” Hall stated, “his life has felt like gravy. You know, just like a second chance.”
Remarkably, even after two decades of embodying this complex character, Hall admits that Dexter continues to reveal new facets to him. He attributes this ongoing development to the show’s writing team and reflects on the inherent elasticity of the character, which allows him to grow and evolve in unique ways. “It’s been an amazing run,” he noted, acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the scenes.
Another significant shift in “Dexter: Resurrection” is the change in setting from the vibrant streets of Miami to the bustling landscape of New York City. For Hall, this transition holds particular significance as he has personal ties to the city, having attended graduate school at New York University. “For me, as an actor, it’s been amazing to do this show in New York because I kind of came of age here,” he shared, expressing a sense of fulfilment in working in a city that inspired him in his early career.
Furthermore, Hall noted that New York’s distinct energy resonates with the changing moral compass of Dexter. He described the character’s evolving approach to the moral code set by his adoptive father, Harry Morgan, suggesting a dynamic shift in his adherence to these principles. “When we met Dexter at the beginning of the show, he adhered to the code pretty strictly but started to play fast and loose with it,” Hall explained, hinting that in this new chapter, Dexter has recommitted to these rules – albeit in a more rigid manner, reflecting the angularity of New York.
Hall is not the only one eager to see how the series progresses. Uma Thurman, who joined the cast in “Dexter: Resurrection” as Charley, revealed her enthusiasm for the evolving narrative. Expressing her excitement about returning for the next installment, Thurman remarked, “My favourite part of playing her? I mean, it just gets better and better.”
Despite her initial apprehension about how the creative team could surpass the first season, which she describes as “one of the best seasons of television,” Thurman acknowledged the brilliance of the show’s creators in elevating the storyline. “They took it up. They went up,” she stated, praising showrunner Clyde Phillips and writer Scott Reynolds for their innovative storytelling.
Having had time to develop Charley further, Thurman conveyed her joy in revisiting the character, emphasising the freedom that comes with a more profound engagement with the role. “It was an absolute joy and a gift to me to get to play this part. I loved it,” she said, highlighting her enjoyable working relationship with Hall.
As anticipation builds for the second season of “Dexter: Resurrection,” fans can expect a captivating blend of character development and storytelling that keeps the franchise fresh and engaging. With its premiere set for October 30 on Paramount+, both Hall and Thurman are keen to witness where this next chapter will lead their characters.