The Trinity Killer’s surprise return in Dexter: Resurrection
gets a new explanation from John Lithgow. After the success of creator Clyde Phillips’ original Dexter show, Michael C. Hall returned as the titular serial killer in Dexter: New Blood in 2021, 8 years after the divisive season 8 finale. Now, Hall is reprising his role as the character once more in the Dexter: Resurrection sequel show, which will feature the return of some familiar cast members, including David Zayas as Angel Batista, James Remar as Harry Morgan, Jack Alcott as Harrison Morgan, and Lithgow as Arthur Mitchell, aka the Trinity Killer.
In a recent interview with Variety, Lithgow confirms that viewers shouldn’t expect to see the Trinity Killer beyond a brief cameo in Dexter: Resurrection. The actor reveals that he returned for only one day of filming, with his character appearing as a “phantom” to Dexter as he awakens in the hospital. Check out Lithgow’s comment below:
“I just went back to do a day. They’re rebooting the entire Michael C. Hall version of ‘Dexter.’ And it turns out he didn’t die after all. I come back sort of as a phantom, as he gradually comes to life on a hospital bed.”
What The Trinity Killer’s Return Means For Dexter: Resurrection
Resurrection’s Story Explained
Warning! Spoilers ahead for the opening moments of Dexter: Original Sin.
After season 8 proved controversial with audiences, the Dexter: New Blood ending was seemingly set to serve as a do-over of sorts, sending Hall’s serial killer out with a literal bang. The show ends with Dexter dead in the show after having been shot by his son, Harrison. The recently-released prequel show, however, Dexter: Original Sin, undoes this ending, revealing that Dexter was quickly packed into an ambulance and brought back to life at the hospital, with Original Sin playing out as if the character were recalling his origins while at the brink of death.
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Dexter: Resurrection’s New Villain Casting Sounds Like The Franchise Has Finally Found Its Best Trinity Killer Replacement After 16 Years
Dexter: Resurrection announced who would play its new villain, and the famous actor could be just as good as John Lithgow, the Trinity Killer.
Though audiences get a brief look at Dexter in the operating room in Original Sin, Lithgow’s comment suggests audiences could be seeing more of Dexter’s time in the hospital in Resurrection. He’s sure to not stay in this location long, however, and it has been reported that the show will feature the serial killer in New York City. These reports were seemingly confirmed recently with photos emerging from the Resurrection set in the city. Other reports have suggested that Peter Dinklage will serve as Dexter: Resurrection‘s main villain, billionaire Leon Prater.
Other newcomers in the Dexter: Resurrection cast include Uma Thurman, Krysten Ritter, Neil Patrick Harris, and Eric Stonestreet.
Our Take On The Trinity Killer’s Dexter: Resurrection Return
Why A Small Cameo Is The Best Approach
Dexter season 4 is widely considered the best season in the show’s run, and Lithgow’s performance as the Trinity Killer is a major reason for this. Mitchell returned briefly in New Blood in a vision, and with his impending return in Resurrection, it seems the franchise isn’t forgetting just how big of an impact this rival had on Dexter with his murder of Rita (Julie Benz).
Though it would be interesting to see Mitchell back in a more substantial capacity, it’s for the best that it’s just a cameo. Mitchell met a satisfying end in season 4, and it would be a mistake to undo this. It would also feel like a stretch to have Mitchell return as an extended vision, with those roles thus far reserved for more positive role models like Harry and Deb (Jennifer Carpenter). Many questions remain about Dexter: Resurrection, but it will certainly be exciting to see Dexter grappling with the Trinity Killer once more, even if only in his mind.
Source: Variety