Why didn't we see Maria Laguerta in Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 premiere? Details explored

One of the highly anticipated series— Dexter: Original Sin Season 1, finally came out with its premiere in December 2024, taking fans back to the time when Dexter Morgan began his career at Miami Metro PD in 1991. The series follows young Dexter's early days, struggles, and transformation into a vigilante serial killer.

The iconic leading role has been helmed by Irish actor Patrick Gibson, who's accompanied by several other cast members to bring back the characters from the original show. The returning characters include Harry Morgan, Debra Morgan, Angel Batista, Vince Masuka, and Bobby Watt.

However, one of the key figures— Maria LaGuerta was nowhere to be seen in Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 premiere. The reason? Maria LaGuerta might not have joined the police force in the current timeline.

However, this doesn't mean that Maria won't appear in the prequel, as the series has just started, and so does Dexter Morgan's journey. Continue reading to know who has helmed the Lieutenant's role in Dexter: Original Sin.

Who is playing Maria LaGuerta in Dexter: Original Sin Season 1?

As mentioned earlier, Maria LaGuerta (played by Luna Lauren Velez) was one of the key figures in the original Dexter series, who served as a Lieutenant at the Miami Metro Police Department. LaGuerta's skills and determination helped her uncover Dexter's secret, but little did she know that it would eventually lead to her tragic end.

However, she wasn't killed by Dexter but by his adoptive sister, Debra Morgan, who also worked at the Miami Metro Police Department. Her death scene was one of the heartbreaking moments in the original series, as Debra had to choose between saving her adoptive brother and Maria.

Also Read: Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 release schedule - Every episode and when do they drop?

In Dexter: Original Sin Season 1, the role of younger Maria LaGuerta has been secured by Christina Milian, who mentioned adding her nuances to the role. While talking about stepping into the well-established role of Lieutenant Maria LaGuerta, mentioned that though "It was actually really scary," the cast enjoyed filming the show.

Millian also said (via RadioTime):

"I definitely looked to the original Maria LaGuerta, which was played by Luna Lauren Vélez, as inspiration. I could not do this without respecting that and honoring that and understanding who the character becomes."

Millian explained that Velez laid the foundation of the character, but she had to think about Maria's life fifteen years ago, as she must be a completely different person. However, viewers might find certain qualities of the original character unchanged in Dexter: Original Sin.

Also Read: Netflix brings back Rowan Atkinson for Man vs Baby, details explored

Why didn't Maria LaGuerta appear in Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 premiere?

The prequel explores Dexter's initial journey (Image via Showtime)

Since the prequel focuses on Dexter Morgan's early days, it might be possible that Maria LaGuerta has yet to join the police force. Since her appearance is confirmed, Milian is expected to gradually enter the story as she'll later become a crucial figure in unraveling Dexter's secret.

Currently, the police aren't extensively behind Dexter as he's just begun his journey as a vigilante serial killer. Maria is expected to enter the narrative soon after the serial killer investigation kicks off, posing a threat to Dexter Morgan's identity.

You can stream Dexter: Original Sin on Paramount+ with Showtime.