Dexter prequel spin-off brutally axed just weeks after renewal announcement

Fans of the Dexter franchise have been dealt a blow after it was revealed that spin-off series Dexter: Original Sin has been cancelled - just weeks after a second season was reported to be in the works.

The prequel, which featured Shadow and Bone actor Patrick Gibson as a young Dexter Morgan, delved into the character’s early years as he began grappling with his murderous urges.

The show gave audiences a glimpse into the life of the infamous anti-hero long before Michael C. Hall took on the role in the original crime series. Dexter: Original Sin was launched in 2024, and received considerable interest from long-time fans of the acclaimed Showtime series, particularly for its casting.

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Christian Slater appeared in the prequel series as Harry Morgan, Dexter’s adoptive father who instilled 'the code' in his son that helps Dexter channel his killer urges towards a good cause by making sure he only takes down other murderers who have evaded justice.

But despite early hype surrounding the show and a reported renewal in April, according to Variety, Original Sin will not be returning for another outing. The cancellation comes as a surprise given the franchise's continuing popularity.

When Dexter premiered in 2006, the series about the double life of a Miami forensic technician who moonlighted as a vigilante serial killer became a cultural phenomenon.

The finale in 2013 drew over 2.8 million viewers, which was Showtime's largest audience ever at the time. While Original Sin may be over, fans still have plenty to look forward to.

Variety also reports that Paramount+ has opened a writers’ room for Dexter: Resurrection, another spin-off that brings Michael C. Hall back to the role that made him a household name.

The ten-episode series debuted in July, picking up just weeks after the shocking finale of Dexter: New Blood, where Dexter was shot by his estranged son Harrison.

The official synopsis teased: "Awakening from a coma to find Harrison missing without a trace, Dexter is consumed by guilt and sets off for New York City, determined to find his son and make things right.

"But redemption doesn’t come easily. When Miami Metro’s Angel Batista shows up with questions, Dexter realises his dark past is closing in fast."

The cast has a mix of familiar faces and new additions. James Remar and David Zayas reprise their iconic roles alongside Hall, while Jack Alcott returns as Harrison. Uma Thurman also joins as Charley, the right-hand woman to Peter Dinklage’s Leon Prater.

Other new names include Neil Patrick Harris, Krysten Ritter, Eric Stonestreet and David Dastmalchian. Excitement for Resurrection reached fever pitch earlier this year when Paramount+ dropped a teaser showing Dexter smirking at a newspaper headline declaring his death.

The 20-second clip immediately set social media ablaze, with one fan on X writing: "SCREAMING, CRYING, THROWING UPPP." Another added: "CAN'T WAIT LET'S GOOO."

Resurrection is currently streaming on Netflix, while Dexter: New Blood is available for fans to watch on Paramount+.

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