Michael C. Hall opens up about his journey returning as Dexter, the iconic vigilante serial killer, for the latest series, Dexter: Resurrection.
Stepping Back into Dexter’s Mind
It’s been 19 years since Michael C. Hall first took on the complex role of Dexter Morgan. After seven seasons and a return for *Dexter: New Blood* eight years later, he’s back again for *Dexter: Resurrection*, now streaming in India on Amazon Prime Video.
Before diving into *Resurrection*, Hall lent his voice to the prequel series, *Dexter: Original Sin*, portraying the character’s “inner voice.” This experience proved incredibly valuable for him.
He shared that exploring Dexter’s origin story in detail, through those scripts and voiceovers, gave a “fully-fleshed out colour” to what was previously just an outline. It was excellent preparation and helps enrich the audience’s understanding of Dexter in the present.
New York, New Challenges
The latest installment shifts the action from the snowy landscapes of Iron Lake or the sunny streets of Miami to the bustling heart of New York City. Hall believes this urban environment brings a fresh texture to the show.
He describes New York as cold, steely, and angular, contrasting sharply with Miami’s round, hot, and sweaty vibe. This setting, he feels, is symbolic of Dexter’s rigid commitment to his identity.
New York’s dense population also means a higher chance for Dexter to encounter “formidable and worthy victims.” Hall humorously notes, “Only in New York!” This iconic city truly lends a unique flavor to the evolving narrative.
A Star-Studded Assembly of Assassins
One of the most exciting aspects of *Dexter: Resurrection* is its incredible ensemble cast, which Hall describes as “an assembly of unsavoury superheroes.” He likened it to Dexter stepping into a “twisted superhero movie.”
Hall expressed his amazement at sharing a room with talent like Uma Thurman, Peter Dinklage, and Neil Patrick Harris. The cast also includes David Dastmalchian, Krystan Ritter, and Eric Stonestreet.
He felt incredibly gratified that the show was able to attract actors of such high caliber. Working with this diverse group was “a blast” and one of the “richest ensembles” he’s ever been a part of.
The Personal Connection to Fatherhood
The father-son dynamic has always been central to the *Dexter* universe, especially with his relationship to Harry and now with Harrison. This theme resonates deeply with Michael C. Hall on a personal level.
Having lost his own father at a young age, Hall acknowledges that his personal experience subtly informs his portrayal of father-son relationships on screen. He doesn’t explicitly think about it, but it’s “all in me and a part of my experience of life.”
He finds a “soothing, therapeutic element” in exploring these fictional father-son stories, given his own relationship with his late father. It’s a subtle but significant influence on his performance.
- Michael C. Hall’s voice work on *Dexter: Original Sin* helped him deeply reconnect with the character’s origins.
- New York City’s distinct environment adds a fresh, symbolic backdrop to Dexter’s latest chapter.
- *Dexter: Resurrection* features an impressive ensemble cast, including Uma Thurman, Peter Dinklage, and Neil Patrick Harris.
- The show’s father-son themes resonate personally with Hall, influencing his portrayal.
As Dexter continues his complex journey, fans can look forward to more thrilling developments in this latest series.