One of the most beloved Dexter characters has returned—here’s everything we know so far.
Throughout Dexter’s eight-season run and the follow-up series Dexter: New Blood, the show introduced audiences to a wide range of memorable characters. Many of these side characters brought a much-needed lightheartedness and emotional balance to the often dark storytelling, adding richness and depth to the world of Dexter Morgan. Among these characters, none stand out more than Angel Batista, brilliantly portrayed by David Zayas.
From the very beginning, and even during Dexter’s darkest moments, Batista consistently embodied decency and humanity. His interactions with Dexter often highlighted the contrast between Dexter's secret life and the moral world he tried to navigate. A character with a strong moral compass and genuine kindness, Batista quickly became a fan favorite. While not perfect — especially when it came to his relationships — his flaws only made him more relatable and human.
A Younger Batista in Dexter: Original Sin
Recently, Dexter: Original Sin introduced fans to a younger version of Angel Batista. This prequel series explores the early days of Dexter at Miami Metro. James Martinez, expertly cast by renowned casting director John Papsidera, brings young Batista to life with authenticity and energy. With David Zayas’s blessing, Martinez channels the essence of the character while adding fresh layers to Batista’s backstory.
David Zayas Returns in Dexter: Resurrection
Exciting news broke during the first week of filming for Dexter: Resurrection: David Zayas would be reprising his role as a series regular. Unlike his brief but impactful appearances in Dexter: New Blood (Episodes 5 and 10), Zayas’s involvement this time is much deeper. His return alongside Michael C. Hall and other major cast members marks a major turning point for the new series.
In Dexter: New Blood, Batista’s appearance was critical, even without a direct confrontation between him and Dexter. Batista’s realization — that Dexter survived Hurricane Laura and that Angela Bishop suspects him of being the Bay Harbor Butcher — set the stage for the upcoming sequel series. This loose thread is now poised for a long-awaited and satisfying payoff.
Dexter: Resurrection — A New Chapter
Created after Michael C. Hall expressed regret about ending the story with New Blood, Dexter: Resurrection promises to fix the rushed elements of the previous finale. It aims to deliver the payoff that fans have been craving for years.
Here's everything you need to know about Angel Batista’s role in Dexter: Resurrection:
Angel Batista: A Series Regular
In Dexter: Resurrection, David Zayas will be a series regular, appearing in most — if not all — episodes of the first season. Other confirmed series regulars include:
- Michael C. Hall (Dexter Morgan)
- James Remar (Harry Morgan)
- Jack Alcott (Harrison Morgan)
- Uma Thurman
- Peter Dinklage
- Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
- Kadia Saraf
- Dominic Fumusa
- Emilia Suárez
The ensemble suggests that Resurrection is shaping up to be the most ambitious chapter of the Dexter saga yet.
Captain Batista at Miami Metro
It has been officially confirmed that Angel Batista now holds the rank of Captain at Miami Metro PD — a position once held by characters like Tom Matthews and Maria LaGuerta. This promotion positions Batista at the heart of Miami’s criminal investigations, giving him more authority — and more responsibility — as he searches for Dexter.
How this higher-profile role affects his character will be fascinating to watch, especially as he grapples with the shocking truth that Dexter Morgan is still alive.
Batista Leaves Miami for New York City
At the end of Dexter: New Blood, we see Batista reeling from the revelation that Dexter is alive and under investigation in Iron Lake, New York. Although New Blood didn’t show the full aftermath, Batista’s urgency to leave Miami was clear.
It's unclear how long Batista remained in Iron Lake, but a Dexter: Resurrection promotional image and set photos indicate he's now is in New York City, actively pursuing Dexter (and/or Harrison). This follows Dexter's escape from the Iron Lake hospital, where he was taken in the Dexter: Original Sin premiere, setting the stage for a thrilling chase.
An Inevitable Confrontation
One of the biggest complaints about Dexter: New Blood was the lack of a direct confrontation between Batista and Dexter. That is finally about to change.
Dexter: Resurrection is set just a few weeks after the events of New Blood, around January or February 2022. This timeline ensures the story picks up with fresh urgency and emotional intensity. Fans have been waiting for years to see Batista and Dexter face each other with the truth laid bare — and now, that long-anticipated showdown is coming.
With Batista on the hunt, Dexter’s past is finally catching up with him — and this time, there’s no hurricane to hide behind.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the premiere of Dexter: Resurrection.