Dexter Prequel Series Gets The Biggest ’90s TV Star

With the addition of Sarah Michelle Gellar, the Dexter prequel has assembled one of the most talented casts in television history. Christian Slater, Patrick Gibson, and Patrick Dempsey will join Gellar for the new show. That star-filled cast may be enough to attract new fans who might not have a connection to the original show but want to see so many great actors performing together. 

Of course, for established fans of Dexter, the addition of Sarah Michelle Gellar should still be exciting news. She’s best known for her role as the protagonist in the TV version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but she also appeared in hit 90s movies like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Cruel Intentions, and Scream 2. While her most notable performances may have been in the 90s and early 2000s, she has remained an active and respected actress and she’s a great addition to any cast. 

The plot of Dexter: Original Sin will focus on its protagonist’s turn from an ordinary forensic science intern into a serial killer. Christian Slater plays his father, who puts him on the path of turning his homicidal urges against other killers and helps him learn how to hide his crimes. Sarah Michelle Gellar will play Dexter’s boss, CSI chief Tanya Martin. 

Of course, this means that Sarah Michelle Gellar will be a part of the dynamic that made the original Dexter beloved, the interplay between his life as a criminal and his public life helping the law find criminals. As his boss, Gellar will interact with the public face as an eager young scientist with a strong sense of justice. As the CSI chief, she will also likely serve as an antagonist, trying to uncover the murders he’s responsible for without realizing she knows the killer.

Dexter aired in 2006 on Showtime and built a strong fan base over its eight-season run. Its titular serial killer protagonist was played by Michael C. Hall, who brought a quirky charm to the beloved character. The show was immensely popular with fans and critics alike, earning 19 Emmy nominations and 4 wins. 

While the addition of Sarah Michelle Gellar is fantastic, headline-grabbing news, Dexter fans should be just as excited to learn that the prequel series will have Clyde Phillips as its showrunner. Phillips was the showrunner on the original’s most acclaimed seasons, meaning he’s a proven hand to guide the ship. With the return of a great showrunner and an incredible cast, the prequel could be a great return for the franchise. 

While Dexter has had its ups and downs over the years, New Blood has potential. Much of that potential comes from its stellar cast, and adding a 90s horror icon like Sarah Michelle Gellar can only help. The show was announced early last year and doesn’t have a release date yet, but the casting news is a reassuring step forward.