At San Diego Comic-Con’sDexter: Original Sinpanel, the OG Harry Morgan actor revealed his reaction to being recast in the prequel show. TheDexterfranchise now consists of three shows, andDexter: Original Sinfeatures an entirely new castas younger versions of the returning characters. The role of Harry Morgan, Dexter’s father, was previously played by James Remar, but Christian Slater took over for the prequel.
Set 15 years before the original show, Christian Slater’s version of Harry Morgan appears alongside Patrick Gibson’s Dexter Morgan. The relationship between the father and son helps lay the groundwork for the titular character becoming a serial killer inDexter.
While the recasting wasn’t personal, it was bound to bring out emotions in the original actors. In the case of Remar, they were all positive.Screen Rantwas present at theDexterpanel atSDCC 2025, whereRemar shared his feelings of pride about Slater taking over the role. He said this:
“I’ve known Christian since 1988. We were in a movie called Tales from the Darkside together… I was very proud [when I found out he would be playing Harry]… the guy is amazing.”
After the success of the first season,Dexter: Original Sinwas renewed for season 2, so Slater and Gibson will return as the iconic characters.
What James Remar’s Statement About Christian Slater Means
Remar & Slater Might Have Different Interpretations Of Harry, But They’re Both Great Actors
Since the release ofDexter: Original Sin, fans have talked at length about James Remar and Christian Slater’s different takes on the character of Harry Morgan. The new take on the character has been extremely divisive with some people saying that Dexter: Original Sin made them hate Harry more while others say Harry is too likable.
There’s no doubt that fans will feel a connection to the original version of the character. However, James Remar’s remark about Christian Slater from SDCC 2025 isa great reminder to fans to appreciate what the different actors bring to the roles. The two versions are bound to feel dissimilar. Besides being played by different actors, Harry is a hallucination in one version and a real person in the other.
Our Take On Harry Morgan In The Dexter Franchise
There’s Enough Room In The Dexter Franchise For Both Versions Of The Character
While Harry seems different inDexterandDexter: Original Sin, I don’t find that to be a big issue. It’s okay for the two actors to have their own takes on the character, and that doesn’t cancel out the greatness of the other. The good news is that fans can continue to see their favorite version onscreen as the franchise moves forward.
James Remar returns as Harry Morgan inDexter: Resurrectionalongside Michael C. Hall. Since the show is new, it hasn’t been renewed for season 2. However, it seems very likely. Meanwhile, fans who prefer Christian Slater in the role will get at least one more season ofDexter: Original Sin. For those who like Remar and Slater, well, they get the best of both worlds.
