The actor playing young Batista shared his experience of stepping into the iconic role.
Throughout its 10-episode run, Dexter: Original Sin captivated audiences on multiple levels. One standout aspect was its exceptional casting, led by casting director John Papsidera, who faced the challenging task of selecting actors who not only resembled their predecessors but also embodied their distinctive mannerisms. Based on audience feedback, the results were a resounding success.
James Martinez as a Young Angel Batista
One of the most remarkable casting choices was James Martinez, who took on the role of a younger Angel Batista. While Martinez may not share a striking physical resemblance to David Zayas, the original Batista, the production team worked meticulously to transform him into the beloved character—and the results were astonishing.
Joining the Dexter Universe
This past week, James Martinez appeared on Honey German's Podcast to discuss his experience joining the Dexter saga, his career in television, and his thoughts on a potential second season of Dexter: Original Sin.
"Sometimes, you take on a job and have no idea how it’s going to resonate. But the Dexter fan base is massive. And once the show aired, it became very real to me."
A Longstanding Friendship with David Zayas
Martinez was already a longtime Dexter fan before landing the role—and he also had a personal connection to Zayas.
"I was a huge Dexter fan, and I’ve been friends with David Zayas for a long time. Knowing him definitely helped a lot because I was familiar with his energy, his heart, and even his physicality. That connection really helped me tackle this role."
Martinez’s Transformation: So Good, Some Thought It Was AI
The transformation was so convincing that some viewers speculated AI de-aging technology had been used.
"Some people thought it was AI at first, which I took as a huge compliment. But at the beginning, I wasn’t even sure about myself in this role."
Landing the Role
Initially, Martinez doubted his suitability for the part.
"When I first saw myself in the mirror, I thought, ‘I don’t look like this guy. I don’t sound like him.’ But once I started working on it, everything came together."
Studying Batista’s Mannerisms
To embody Batista authentically, Martinez dedicated a month to studying every detail of Zayas’ performance.
"Wardrobe and makeup alone wouldn’t cut it. I had to own the fedora, the jewelry, the entire look. I became obsessed with Angel’s mannerisms—his head shakes, his walk, his voice cadence. I did my homework."
Martinez was careful to avoid mere imitation.
"I didn’t want to just mimic him. You can see good impressions at a comedy club. But when you're truly embodying a character and making people believe you are them, it’s a whole different level."
Will There Be a Dexter: Original Sin Season 2?
While nothing is officially confirmed, Martinez remains optimistic.
"There’s no official announcement yet, but in this business, timing is everything. We broke streaming records, and the reviews have been fantastic. On paper, it looks like a sure thing, so I’m pretty confident it’s coming back. But don’t take my word for it—let’s wait and see."
Watch the Full Interview
Catch James Martinez’s full interview with Honey German below.