This once major original Dexter star will not be returning in the Dexter: Resurrection series

Dexter: Resurrection has brought back many familiar faces from the original series. But one major actor from the early seasons has confirmed she won’t return. Julie Benz, who played Rita Morgan, Dexter’s wife, said she has not been contacted to appear in the sequel series.

Rita was a key character in the original Dexter and played an important role in Dexter’s personal life before her death at the hands of the Trinity Killer.

Dexter: Resurrection picks up with Dexter Morgan, played by Michael C. Hall, returning from the dead and following his son Harrison (Jack Alcott) to New York City. While the show brings back several actors from past seasons, Benz confirmed in an interview with BingetownTV Podcast Network that she is not one of them. She said,

“They've never reached out or never made that a plan.”

The show has already featured appearances from characters who died in earlier seasons. This has led some fans to wonder why Rita isn’t among them. Benz shared her disappointment in the decision, saying she was

“a little heartbroken.”

Her absence in Dexter: Resurrection leaves a gap for those who saw her character as central to Dexter's past.

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What Julie Benz said about not returning

Julie Benz spoke openly about not being asked to return to Dexter: Resurrection. In her interview, she mentioned that the show used a clip of her character, Rita, but did not invite her to film new scenes.

She said,

“I knew they were using a clip. I do think there’s some missed storytelling there that could be intriguing, but, they've never reached out or never made that a plan. So, am I a little heartbroken about it? Sure. But, again, it’s not my show, so, you know, as an actor, I just tell everybody that I just don’t have the best of luck with reboots, I guess. It’s not in my karma or whatever, I don’t know. They don’t feel that it’s important enough [to bring Rita back], which is sad."

Benz also explained that although her character was shown briefly in the background of one scene, she had no involvement in the new production. She added that it was not her choice to be excluded, and that she believes there were chances to include Rita again.

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Who has returned in Dexter: Resurrection?

Despite Benz’s absence, Dexter: Resurrection has included many other characters from the original series. These returns help tie the new show to earlier storylines. Characters who have returned so far include:

• Angel Batista (David Zayas)
• Harry Morgan (James Remar)
• James Doakes (Erik King)
• Teddy Reed (David Magidoff)
• John Lithgow/ The Trinity Killer (Arthur Mitchell)
• Harrison Morgan (Jack Alcott)

Some of these characters, like the Trinity Killer, are also long dead in the original timeline. But the visions and flashbacks in the new series bring them back into his life. At one point, Dexter appears to see individuals from his history while in the hospital recovering from having been shot. These visits enable the show to delve into Dexter's past and memories.

Julie Benz's Rita also appeared in the background of a scene in which Dexter reminisces about his shortcomings. Her appearances, though, were confined to recycled scenes and not new acting. The other reappearing actors all participated in the filming of new material for the show.

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Why Rita's absence in Dexter: Resurrection feels notable

Rita Morgan was an important person in Dexter's life. She was his wife and the mother of his son, Harrison. Her killing by the Trinity Killer was the catalyst for the original show. It was one of the biggest emotional moments in Dexter's character.

Since other deceased characters were also brought back, some fans were hoping that Rita would also come back in Dexter: Resurrection. Her non-appearance is noticeable, particularly since the show features scenes that allow Dexter to reflect on his guilt and past decisions.

Rita’s death still plays a part in the story. She appears briefly in a hospital vision, lying dead in a bathtub. But without Julie Benz’s involvement, the scene only uses old footage.

Benz’s quote suggests she believes there was more that could have been done with the character. She said,

“I think that there is some storytelling that could be there.”

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Watch Dexter: Resurrection on Paramount+.