The forthcoming Dexter prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, has added a Grey’s Anatomy star to its growing lineup. Set 15 years before the events of the original show, the new Dexter prequel has already added the likes of Shadow and Bone’s Patrick Gibson as a younger version of the character made famous by Michael C. Hall. Meanwhile, Christian Slater is set to play his adopted father, Harry Morgan, and Evil’s Molly Brown has been tapped to play his foul-mouthed, adopted sister Debra.

According to Variety‘s new report, Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey has joined the cast as Captain Aaron Spencer. Reported as having a decades-long relationship with Slater’s Harry Morgan, Dempsey’s character will see him take charge of the Miami Metro Homicide Department, where the young Dexter embarks on a forensics internship. Praising Dempsey as a beloved actor known internationally for his previous roles, Paramount Global co-CEO Chris McCarthy says they are thrilled to have him join Dexter: Original Sin’s all-star cast. Check out his comments below:

Patrick Dempsey is a beloved actor who is internationally known for the iconic characters he has played and his performances. We are thrilled to have him join our all-star cast of Dexter: Original Sin, the highly anticipated origin story of the franchise.

Patrick Dempsey’s New Role Raises Questions About Another Original Series Character

Dexter: Original Sin Is Still Missing A Pivotal Character

While the cast announcements for Dexter: New Blood have revealed several familiar names will appear in the upcoming prequel, Dempsey’s role as Captain Aaron Spencer highlights one role that is notably absent. Deputy Chief Tom Matthews, previously played by Geoff Pierson in the original Dexter cast, was a close personal friend of Harry Morgan and would have served as Homicide Lieutenant at the time Dexter: Original Sin is set.

Given the pivotal role that Tom Matthews played in the original show, often providing insight into Harry’s time as a homicide detective, it is unusual that a younger version of his character has not yet been announced. Instead, the prequel appears to have introduced a new character in the form of Reno Wilson’s Bobby Watt, who serves as Harry’s homicide partner and best friend. Since Watt is never mentioned in the original show, and Matthews is the one suggested to have been Harry’s best friend at the time, the possible contradiction raises some interesting questions.

However, with the original Dexter focusing so much on the internal politics of Miami Metro Homicide, it is likely that Matthews’ character will still appear. Moreover, his tenure as Lieutenant under Dempsey’s Captain Spencer could even mirror the same antagonistic relationship he would later experience with the eventual Lieutenant Maria LaGuerta. In the meantime, Dempsey’s addition only serves to add interest in what is shaping up to be a very exciting prequel project.

Source: Variety