‘Dexter: Original Sin’ Should Channel the Atmosphere of This Iconic 80s Thriller

‘Dexter: Original Sin’ is set to premiere on Paramount+ with Showtime in December 2024, featuring Patrick Gibson as Dexter and Christian Slater as Harry Morgan. Michael Lehmann, who directed the 1988 thriller ‘Heathers,’ will helm several episodes of this prequel series. This reunion between Lehmann and Slater has fans reminiscing about their previous collaboration, as ‘Dexter: Original Sin’ seems poised to echo the dark and intriguing atmosphere of ‘Heathers.’

In ‘Heathers,’ Slater played the teenage killer Jason 'J.D.' Dean, a role that showcased his ability to blend charm with menace. This 1980s classic, set in a high school filled with social cliques, follows Veronica Sawyer (Winona Ryder) as she gets involved in J.D.'s deadly schemes. J.D. manipulates Veronica into helping him murder popular girls and stage their deaths as suicides, leading to chaos and tragedy.

Image Courtesy: Game Rant

Their plan spirals out of control as the deaths of the Heathers lead to unintended consequences, and Veronica eventually tries to distance herself from J.D.'s increasingly violent actions. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation, with J.D. attempting to blow up the school before meeting his own end.

The new prequel series, set in 1991, will delve into similar themes of youthful rebellion and murder, reflecting a tone reminiscent of ‘Heathers.’ Slater’s return to a role with dark undertones and Lehmann’s directorial style could create a nostalgic yet fresh experience for fans. 

Both projects are set in comparable periods, with ‘Heathers’ in 1988 and ‘Dexter: Original Sin’ in 1991, suggesting a possible visual and thematic parallel. Lehmann, who has also directed episodes of the original ‘Dexter’ series, brings his experience to this new project, potentially infusing it with the same intensity and edge that characterized his earlier work.

–Farheen Ali