‘Dexter: Resurrection’: Michael C. Hall & Krysten Ritter On The Return Of Dexter, Dinner Party Killers, & Jessica Jones’ MCU Comeback [Bingeworthy Podcast]

On this episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Michael C. Hall and Krysten Ritter, stars of “Dexter: Resurrection” – Paramount+ with Showtime’s gritty revival that continues the twisted journey of serial killer Dexter Morgan—yes, he lives! The new series picks up shortly after the events of Dexter: New Blood,” with Dexter waking from a coma, presumed dead, and setting out across New York City in search of his estranged son Harrison. He instead finds a smorgasbord of “like-minded” individuals and a mountain of killer trouble. The show also stars Peter Dinklage, David Dastmalchian, Uma Thurman, Neil Patrick Harris, Eric Stonestreet, and Krysten Ritter.

While Hall slips seamlessly back into Dexter’s skin, he brings a more unpredictable edge this time. “He’s recommitted to the code,” Hall said. “But he’s also discovered this appetite for taking chances that he’s never taken before, and is allowed to take those chances in this new context.”

And yes, Hall confirmed the resurrection was partly his own pitch. “He didn’t get shot in the head. People survive that,” he laughed. “Once we started exploring the notion that he might have survived, it became increasingly appealing to consider what storytelling possibilities afforded us.” The sense of unfinished business stuck with him. “Whether I return to the character at this point or not, I’ll always be associated with him. And I’m just glad that… I’m associated with a character that resonates with people.”

David Dastmalchian On ‘Murderbot,’ ‘The Life Of Chuck,’ Writing ‘Creature Commandos,’ ‘Dexter: Resurrection’ & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]

He also emphasized that Dexter’s current arc wouldn’t be possible without his earlier, much despised “Dexter” finale ending that left him in exile and penance. “The only way we could have gotten where we are is to have gone through what we’ve gone through to get there. And I think the rewards have revealed themselves this time—a character who needed to exile himself, abstain for as long as he did, and go through the penance he’s gone through. It’s only for having done that that he can reclaim himself in the way that he’s now able to.”

When asked about the show’s new direction, Hall pointed to the surrealism of the infamous dinner party in episode four. “That fourth episode made it feel like Dexter was invited into this parallel universe where he’s a character in a twisted superhero movie or something. It was really wild,” he said. “What I love about the season is that it goes more substantially into the human side of Dexter’s experience with his son and this heightened, almost magical realm with this gathering. And those are existing at the same time.”

Krysten Ritter, who plays the mysterious “Lady Vengeance,” said joining the Dexter franchise was both thrilling and full circle. “I auditioned for a co-star role on the first season. Tony Goldwyn was directing. I booked it, but I could not do it because I actually booked “Gilmore Girls” on the same day,” she laughed. “Had I taken that part, maybe I wouldn’t be Lady Vengeance now.”

But now? She’s all in. “Honestly, I would play Lady Vengeance for years and years. It was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had, stepping into a character and being on set. I just loved it. You couldn’t pry me away,” she said. “She goes after Dexter hard. She’s got this major twist. She’s very glamorous. She’s very femme fatale. She’s very sexy. She’s very smart. And then she’s a little psychotic and deranged and playful.”

Getting to play with those tones was a dream for Ritter. “Getting to sink into that was very, very fun. And my costumes were so good. I was begging them like, ‘We have to find a way. I’m not done with this character!’ I have to play her again. I never wanted it to end.”

On set, the energy matched the show’s heightened tone, especially on those big cast days with Michael C. Hall, Peter Dinklage, David Dastmalchian, Uma Thurman, Neil Patrick Harris, Eric Stonestreet, and Krysten Ritter all in the scene. “Nobody went back to their trailers in between. Everybody was together. The week that everybody was on set together was maybe a major career highlight for everyone,” she said. “We were all hanging out, telling jokes, starting group chats. Anytime Uma Thurman would come over… we’re like, ‘Okay, Uma Thurman.’ We were all starstruck all day.”

Support independent movie journalism to keep it alive. Sign up for The Playlist Newsletter. All the content you want and, oh, right, it’s free.

Ritter also shared a surreal moment with Hall during a night shoot on Lafayette Street in NYC, where she used to go for free dinners during her teen modeling days. “We just had this moment of like…you realize one day that you are no longer the dreamer. You’re the dream. And so he and I connected in this beautiful way personally that made the experience not just like an amazing, delicious, creative role, but also a really fulfilling personal experience.”

Beyond Dexter, Ritter opened up about her long-awaited return as Jessica Jones in season 2 of “Daredevil: Born Again.” “It felt crazy and like no time had passed. It felt celebratory. I really believe I’m back because the fans have been so vocal about Jessica and feeling so passionate about her,” she said. “To have these two characters — my iconic Jessica Jones role juxtaposed with this new, delicious, glamorous femme fatale serial killer — creatively, you couldn’t dream up a better 2025.”

When asked if she preferred Jessica to stay in her own gritty corner of the MCU or mix it up with other heroes, Ritter said, “There are many opportunities for Jessica. She’s a great way in. She brings her own flavor… But I do love the grounded street element. What I’ve always loved about Jessica is how deeply personal it is. It’s so character-driven.”

And as a final note, Ritter revealed she had known about her MCU return for nearly two years. “Keeping that secret and keeping the enthusiasm and waiting until the upfronts to announce it, it was like, when it was finally out, I was like, ‘Oh my God!’ I was always pretending I’m not in New York, like, keeping secrets because I get asked about it daily.”

“Dexter: Resurrection” is currently streaming new episodes weekly on Paramount+ with Showtime. Listen to the full interviews with Michael C. Hall and Krysten Ritter below:


The Playlist Presents: Michael C. Hall & Krysten Ritter’s TV & Movie Recommendation Playlist:

Michael C. Hall

  • “100 Foot Wave” (Max)

Krysten Ritter

  • “Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos” (Max)
  • “Echo Valley” (Apple TV+)
  • “When Harry Met Sally”
  • “Goodfellas”

Bingeworthy is part of The Playlist Podcast Network, which includes Deep FocusThe Discourse, and more. We can be heard on Apple Podcasts, SpotifySoundcloud, and most places where podcasts are found. You can stream the podcast via the embed within the article.. Be sure to subscribe and drop us a comment or a rating, as we greatly appreciate it. Thank you for listening.

+ posts

Related Articles

Stay Connected

221,000FansLike
18,300FollowersFollow
10,000FollowersFollow
14,400SubscribersSubscribe

NEWSLETTER

News, Reviews, Exclusive Interviews: The Best of The Playlist in your Inbox daily.

Latest Articles