Actor Alex Shimizu has joined the cast of “Dexter: Original Sin,” a new series from Paramount+ and Showtime.
The series is a prequel to the Emmy-winning “Dexter” (2006-2013), which starred Michael C. Hall as a forensic scientist who is also a serial killer.
“Original Sin,” according to the producers, “follows Dexter as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry [a former homicide detective], he adopts a code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society — without getting on law enforcement’s radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.”
There has already been a sequel series, “Dexter: New Blood” (2021-22).
The prequel is set 15 years before the original series and features younger versions of the characters, including Patrick Gibson as Dexter and Christian Slater as Harry (James Remar in the original series).
Shimizu plays Vince Masuka, described as “a forensic analyst who eagerly shares his expertise while relishing the chance to boss around his new intern, Dexter Morgan.” In the original series, Masuka, played by C.S. Lee, was the lead forensics specialist.
The cast also includes Molly Brown as Debra, Dexter’s sister; Christina Milian as Maria LaGuerta, the department’s first female homicide detective; James Martinez as up-and-coming homicide detective Angel Batista; and Reno Wilson as Bobby Watt, Harry’s longtime partner and confidant.
Production began on June 5 in Miami. A premiere date has not yet been announced.
Shimizu’s TV and film credits include “Community” (2009), “Person of Interest” (2011), “Scorpion” (2014), “S.W.A.T.” (2017), and the Netflix teen comedy “The Outcasts” (2017). He had recurring roles as Tadashi Ito on “The Blacklist” (2018-2023, seven episodes) with James Spader and as Toshiro Furuya on AMC’s “The Terror: Infamy” (2018, eight episodes) with George Takei.
He will next be seen in an episode of Taika Waititi’s “Interior China-town,” the story of an Asian American actor struggling against clichéd roles and stereotypes, both at work and in his personal life.