In an anecdote that underscores the often-unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting, French actor Éric Judor, recognized for his comedic performances, revealed that he was once eyed for a major villainous role in the final season of Dexter. The unexpected offer came directly from Showtime's casting department, as Judor recounted to French outlet AlloCiné, who followed up on his initial revelation to Phénix Stories in 2018.

According to Judor, the initial contact was an email from the premium cable network's casting director, expressing interest in him for the role of the main antagonist who would face off against Michael C. Hall's titular serial killer. The character description, however, painted a picture far removed from Judor's typical on-screen persona: a Slavic individual, of Eastern European origin, with a 'chiseled, cold face.' Judor recalled his immediate reaction, wondering, "What film had she seen me in to imagine this character?" The incongruity between his comedic background and the dark, intense character profile was stark, yet the opportunity was undeniably intriguing.

The commitment required was substantial, spanning from April to November—a significant six-month chunk of his year. Despite the lengthy schedule and the challenging character, Judor's response was instantaneous and unequivocal. "Obviously, I immediately said yes to everything," he told AlloCiné, eager to embrace such a high-profile role in an iconic American series. However, after his enthusiastic acceptance, communication ceased.

Initially, Judor confessed, he suspected the entire exchange might be an elaborate prank orchestrated by his long-time comedic partner, Ramzy Bedia. But the reality soon set in that the offer was legitimate, with a follow-up phone call from the casting director's assistant in Los Angeles confirming the serious nature of the inquiry. Later, while in Los Angeles to film with director Quentin Dupieux, Judor seized the chance to personally follow up on the Dexter opportunity. His proactive approach was met with a polite but firm response from the casting team. They explained, "Thank you, that's kind. But we're not there yet. We're still in the research phase."

It appears that Judor's contact came early in the casting process, before the production had moved into the phase of meeting with pre-selected candidates. While the role ultimately went to another actor, the story remains a fascinating glimpse into the 'what-if' scenarios of television production and the surprising range casting directors sometimes envision for performers.