The actor who portrays young Estrada discusses his experience working on the Dexter prequel.
Over its thrilling 10-episode run, Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 brought fans back into the dark and complex world of Dexter Morgan—right at the moment he committed his first three kills, officially marking his transformation into a serial killer.
Set primarily in 1991, the series dives deep into the formative months leading up to the tragic death of Laura Moser, the pivotal event that shaped both Dexter and his brother Brian Moser. Told largely from Harry Morgan’s perspective, viewers gained a gripping new insight into the chain of events that led to the infamous shipping yard massacre.
A key figure in this storyline is Hector Estrada, originally introduced in Dexter Season 7. In Dexter: Original Sin, the character is portrayed by Carlo Mendez, appearing in four intense episodes that highlight Estrada’s role in the Moser family tragedy.
On April 1st, it was officially confirmed that Dexter: Original Sin will return for a second season. Given the show’s continued use of flashbacks—especially those focusing on the cartel—it seems highly likely that Carlo Mendez will reprise his role as Hector Estrada.
In a recent interview with Big Gold Belt Media, Mendez opened up about his experience working on the Dexter prequel, what it was like stepping into such a crucial role, and more.
Note: This interview was edited for clarity and coherence without altering the original meaning.
On Joining the Dexter Universe
“I was over the moon when I booked the role. I actually thought they made a mistake—like, do they really want me? I didn’t look like the original actor, and everyone else seemed to resemble their younger counterparts. But it's set decades earlier, so I guess the look could’ve changed. Still, I couldn’t believe it.”
Stepping onto the set for the first time, Mendez describes being surrounded by crew and immersed in a world he had read about in the script. “It was so good. Even after filming, I’m still pinching myself. I want more. I want to keep going.”
On Watching Himself on Screen
“I hate watching myself, but I have to. I learn from it. I don’t beat myself up, but I do critique. It’s weird seeing yourself—some actors love it, and that’s fine, but I get shy. I’ll even hold my girlfriend’s hand at premieres because I’m so nervous.”
He admits that he often doesn’t remember doing certain things on screen: “When you’re in the moment, you’re just focused. Then you watch it back and think, ‘Wow, I don’t even remember doing that.’”
Following the Show as a Fan
“I’m watching it live like everyone else. I only received the scripts for my scenes, so I’m surprised by the twists just like the audience. I watched the original series years ago, but there’s a lot I forgot.”
On Portraying Young Estrada
Mendez explains he took inspiration from real-life accounts of cartel leaders to play Hector Estrada: “He’s no-nonsense, business only. Doesn’t take things personally—he wants power, money. Playing a character like that came naturally to me. I read a lot, watch tons of films, and draw inspiration from other actors. It’s easy to turn it on and off.”
The Infamous Pool Scene
“Originally, I was supposed to come out of a jacuzzi. Then they changed it to a pool. I can’t swim—but I didn’t tell anyone. I figured if I started drowning, someone would save me.”
Despite his fear of water (he nearly drowned twice as a kid), he gave it everything: “I doggy paddled across the pool about ten, fifteen times. I even got a cramp. But they got the shot. Then months later, I saw on the call sheet: ‘Hector Estrada stunt double.’ I was like, great, now they’re pretending I can do laps.”
Working with the Cast
Although he didn’t have scenes with Christian Slater, Mendez recalls being starstruck: “He was two feet away at the premiere, but I was too shy to introduce myself. I’ve watched him since the ’80s—he’s one of my favorites.”
He did share a scene with young Dexter and Laura, keeping his distance off-camera to maintain the tension on-screen: “Those kids are phenomenal actors. I just stayed in character, did my thing, and gave them space. Afterwards, I made sure to check in and give them hugs.”
On Being the Catalyst for Dexter’s Trauma
“Knowing I play the character who triggers Dexter’s dark journey? It’s amazing. In the original series, Estrada goes to jail and Dexter later catches up to him, so showing this part of the story was exciting. It’s a side of me that people haven’t seen—I know I can be deadly, menacing, and intense. This role let me prove that.”