On a recent press day for Dexter: Original Sin, actors James Martinez (young Angel Batista) and Alex Shimizu (young Vince Masuka) sat down to discuss bringing iconic characters to life, working with Patrick Gibson (young Dexter), and what fans—both old and new—can expect from the highly anticipated Dexter prequel series.
James Martinez on Angel Batista’s Swag and Younger Years
James Martinez revealed the approach he took to portray a younger version of fan-favorite Angel Batista, originally played by David Zayas.
“Just trying to capture that swag, man,” Martinez said with a smile. “The walk, the music, the outfits—owning all of that. Obviously, I knew the original actor personally, and that helped a lot. Angel in the OG series was a seasoned detective. Here, we see him as a young bachelor, living it up in Miami, balancing work and fun.”
Martinez expressed excitement about exploring Batista’s early journey, showing audiences how the beloved character evolved into the seasoned detective fans know.
Alex Shimizu on Masuka’s Quirky Confidence
Alex Shimizu, stepping into the shoes of Vince Masuka, took time to reflect on the character’s eccentric charm.
“What I love about Masuka is that he’s not afraid to be himself. He speaks his mind, whether people like it or not,” Shimizu said. “It was so fun to play that confidence, especially because it’s something I aim for in real life. I learned a lot playing Masuka.”
Shimizu also teased Masuka’s early dynamic with Dexter, hinting at a shift in the power balance. “In Original Sin, Masuka meets Dexter for the first time. Dexter’s just the lowly intern, so Masuka finally has someone to boss around. It was so fun to play, especially getting to boss Patrick Gibson around for 12 hours a day.”
On Dexter and Batista’s Dynamic
One highlight from the series, according to Martinez, is seeing Dexter and Batista meet for the first time.
“Watching their chemistry grow is great. Batista actually wants to help Dexter out, show him a few dance moves, teach him how to navigate the office. Patrick [Gibson] finds so much humor in Dexter’s awkwardness, which makes their relationship even better.”
Martinez also shared a funny behind-the-scenes moment during a dance scene with Dexter: “It was so frustrating! Patrick couldn’t figure it out, but it was hilarious.”
What Can Fans Expect?
When asked what returning Dexter fans and new audiences will take away from Original Sin, both actors highlighted the series’ rich Easter eggs and compelling storytelling.
“There are so many little nuggets for true, loyal fans,” Shimizu teased. “You’re not going to catch everything on the first watch. Clyde Phillips and Scott Reynolds have packed it with hidden gems, so when you re-watch, you’ll pick up on so much more.”
Martinez added, “The show doesn’t just go back to Dexter’s younger years—it flashes back to the seventies, showing Harry’s early days as a cop and the decisions that led him to the shipping container where he found Dexter. It’s all about the journey, not the destination.”
The Iconic Masuka Laugh
Before wrapping up, Shimizu delighted fans by discussing Masuka’s signature laugh. “It didn’t take long to get it down—I had a weekend before the audition to practice. There’s even a montage of Masuka laughs that I studied. I think I nailed it pretty quick!”
Conclusion: A Prequel for Fans Old and New Dexter: Original Sin promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling, offering diehard fans a deeper look into beloved characters while welcoming newcomers into Dexter’s dark world.
As Martinez put it, “It’s a ride. Whether you’re new to the story or have been here since the beginning, this series is for you.”