In the Showtime series Dexter: Original Sin, Raquel Justice plays Sofia alongside Patrick Gibson (as Dexter Morgan), Christian Slater (as Harry Morgan) and Molly Brown (as Deborah Morgan), with the prequel to Dexter currently airing in the UK on Paramount+. Last year, Raquel starred as Destiny in the feature film Finding Tony, with Stephen Bishop as Tony Greene, and in 2022, she had guest roles in Quantum Leap and Raven’s Home. During her acting career so far, Raquel has appeared in a number of shows including multiple episodes of One Day at a Time as Nora, Brat series Sunnyside Up as Sienna and she played recurring character Kira early in her career in Disney’s Andi Mack. We found out from Raquel about playing Sofia in Dexter: Original Sin, starring as Destiny in feature film Finding Tony and her guest roles in Quantum Leap and Raven’s Home in 2022.

You play Sofia in Dexter: Original Sin – Showtime’s new prequel series of Dexter, how did you feel finding out you’d be joining the Dexter franchise and was there anything that drew you to the show?

I actually first found out about the casting for Dexter: Original Sin when I was in class at my college. Immediately I was like “huh” given that everyone’s reactions in the room were a mixture of gasps, clapping hands, and whispers. So naturally I was locked in from that moment forward. But I hadn’t reached out to my team yet, and two days later there was an audition in my email. It all feels like it happened so fast and it also happened at the same time as my premiere for my first movie Finding Tony. I was honestly just ready to start working as soon as I heard.

Can you tell us about your character and what is she like to play?

When I first read Sofia, I thought she would be hard to make likeable. That she would maybe even be an acquired taste to some. But the longer I lived as her, and got to know her, the more I felt this protection over her. I gave her a story and a depth that she carried into all her interactions and very quickly I, as well as almost everyone else on set, LOVED her. She is strong, loyal, young, passionate, full of bravado and life, and she embodies a confidence I definitely try to pull inspiration from.

How was it reading the scripts and meeting the rest of the cast for the first time?

I actually only read my scenes, apart from our table reads of the first two episodes, because I wanted to experience the season as a fan like the rest of the world. I wanted to be equally surprised and shocked and anxiety ridden, aching to figure it all out. But showing up to that table reading was when it all truly hit, I believe. Seeing just how many people were devoted to creating this show, I knew it was in good hands.

What is it like on set of Dexter: Original Sin and what do you feel you’ve learnt from filming?

I learned most about my own voice on this set and the power it holds. I tested the script, asking for slight improvisation at the beginning or the end. I was very vocal about my wardrobe, hair, and makeup, creating and collaborating on Sofia’s look. I also learned so, so much from the directors and found myself extremely drawn to their area of work, as I want to direct one day as well.

Who do you think Dexter: Original Sin will appeal to?

I believe the OG Dexter fans are going to be very happy with this show. But most of all, I think I’m so excited to gather a whole new audience. Ones who can relate to the youthfulness of this show and the high school/college crowd. Navigating a pre-adult Dexter world gives much to look forward to.

Last year, you starred in the feature film Finding Tony as Destiny, can you tell us about the film and how would you describe the character?

Filming Finding Tony was the quickest production I have ever been on. We filmed in only four short weeks in Atlanta, Georgia, ending right before Christmas. I was on set almost every single day from sun up to sun down, learning how to play basketball with the minimal time I had on the side and at the same time, still completing schoolwork so as to not fall behind. It was definitely more stressful but was an experience that truly shaped my work ethic and reaffirmed my love for the craft.

Destiny is extremely guarded, tough, and almost a bit of a ticking time bomb. But underneath, she is fiercely loyal, resilient, and seeking love. She knows what she wants and she would do anything to get it.

How was it being directed by Raven Magwood Goodson (who also wrote the film) and filming alongside the cast including Stephen Bishop?

It was all a learning experience, and one that I am so grateful for. Stephen was a sort of on-set dad for me, and actually personally knows my real-life dad. It felt like a full-circle moment.

Destined to be (pun intended).

Do you have any favourite highlights from working on Finding Tony that you can share?

I think one memory that stands out to me the most was one of the practice days I was offered to gauge my basketball abilities. I showed up in my interpretation of athletic wear and Converse. I had told them not to take it easy on me and boy did I regret it. I then had the nerve to ask what ‘suicide runs’ are, and boy did I regret THAT. I’m not sure how many suicide sprints I completed before my body couldn’t push anymore. That evening, my dad took me to the nearest Nike and Footlocker and I got about three sets of basketball shoes, clothing, and hair bands. The next day, I showed up to set, stiff as a board and blisters littering my ankles. I had so much respect for the art form from that day forward. And I never ran suicide sprints again.

What was it like having guest roles in Quantum Leap (as Stacy Thompson) and Raven’s Home (as Avery) in 2022?

Quantum Leap is a set experience I rave about to this day. The crew was nothing short of fantastic, the director was so communicative and fostered real connections, my cast mates alleviated the toll of long hours and night shoots through positive attitudes and on set bits. And I loved Stacy Thompson. I loved becoming her. She is a leader. And she holds herself as such.

Raven’s Home is another experience I truly appreciate because I was lucky enough to work with the living icon, Raven-Symoné. I had also auditioned for the show a multitude of times from the moment it was searching for its main cast to the renewal, to the most recent season. So it felt like it was a long time coming (in my mind at least). It was great.

You played Nora across numerous episodes of Series 4 of One Day at a Time, how was this?

I don’t mean to sound like a broken record but it was truly unforgettable. I mean, that cast!! That crew!! The writers!! Everyone!! Coming in as a new character in the fourth season can be quite daunting but that set felt like a family. A well-oiled machine that opened up its arms to me and welcomed me with beaming smiles. My stand-out memory was getting the chance to introduce Rita Moreno to my Abuela. Seeing that, seeing how much it meant to her and how many people Rita Moreno has touched, it made me really emotional and so proud I could witness it.

How did you find the experience working with Brat and filming their series Sunnyside Up as Sienna?

This was honestly a blur, I don’t really remember a whole lot of it. I think it’s due to the fact that I was working with a lot of other kids my age, and it all just felt like a summer camp. I still am in touch with so many of them via social media and it was so fun to do.

What are some of your stand-out memories from your time playing the recurring character of Kira in Andi Mack for Disney early in your career?

Now, you guys are really asking a lot of my memories. I started working as Kira when I was 13 turning 14, so seven years ago now. It feels vaguely similar to One Day at a Time and Brat, in the sense that I came on late in the show whereas everyone already knew each other and everyone was super cool and welcoming, but it all felt like one big summer camp, where we got to work and do what we were passionate about.

Stand-out moments would always have to belong to being in that school trailer with the rest of the kids and goofing off or playing pranks, making plans for where we were going to eat later. I am extremely appreciative of this show and this experience though. And funnily enough, it is the media that I get recognised the most from to this day.

How did you get into acting professionally and do you have a favourite aspect of working in the industry?

I had always been a creative kid. I paint, draw, photograph, dance, sing, and read. I read a lot. And I actually attribute this to my source of imagination. As I read, I would see the story play out as movies and I always pictured myself in those visions. It was only a matter of time till I realised I COULD be one of the women in those movies.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?

I hate answering this question because it’s like asking me to pick a favourite kid. I will take the cowardly route and just give you my favourite genres. I love, love, love psychological thrillers. I love horror, I love coming of age, and I love period pieces centred around women and their power. If the film or show I’m watching doesn’t give me a pit in my stomach in some way, it normally won’t make it to the favourites list. A24 is my favourite production company. Wink wink.

Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?

All my advice I hold deeply mostly has to do with Raquel instead of the characters I play or the work I do. It is more about how to survive in this industry and to make myself my biggest advocate.

Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about, and what are you hoping 2025 brings for you?

This year, I am most looking forward to writing. I want to begin writing my own films. Maybe I will start with a short, maybe I will just dive right into a feature. Maybe I have too much confidence in myself, but not even the sky’s the limit.

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