In a shocking blow to fans of the iconic serial killer drama, Showtime has brutally axed the highly anticipated Dexter prequel series before a single frame was shot.
The series, tentatively titled 'Dexter: Origins', was set to explore the formative years of everyone's favourite blood spatter analyst turned vigilante, Dexter Morgan. It promised to delve into his complex relationship with his adoptive father, Harry, and the origins of his infamous 'Dark Passenger'.
The cancellation comes as a particular surprise given the massive success of the 2021 limited series revival, 'Dexter: New Blood', which shattered viewing records for the network and seemingly revitalised the franchise.
Reports indicate that the decision was made by executives at Showtime's new parent company, Paramount Global, as part of a broader strategic shift. The project, which had a writers' room assembled and was deep in the development phase, has been officially scrapped.
This means audiences will now never get to see the young Dexter's journey from traumatised boy to calculated killer, a story long-requested by the show's dedicated fanbase.
The abrupt end for 'Origins' leaves the future of the Dexter franchise uncertain. While 'New Blood' provided a more conclusive ending for the character than the original series' finale, this cancellation suggests Paramount is pulling back from further expanding this particular universe, for now.
