The actress described the original Dexter pilot as one of the best she's ever seen.
Dexter: Original Sin wrapped up its first season over a week ago, leaving fans eager for the future of the spinoff, even though an official renewal has yet to be announced. The series introduced a younger version of Miami Metro’s beloved characters, and despite initial skepticism, audiences quickly embraced the new cast and their performances.
One standout is Molly Brown, who portrays the younger version of Debra Morgan. Stepping into the role originally played by Jennifer Carpenter, Brown faced intense scrutiny at first. However, as the series progressed, fans grew to appreciate her take on the feisty and rebellious Deb.
Molly Brown on Landing the Role of Debra Morgan
In a recent interview with Schön!, Brown opened up about how she discovered she got the part, the challenges of portraying a teenage Deb, and the immense pressure of stepping into a well-established franchise.
On the moment she found out she landed the role:
“It was overwhelming! I’ve been acting for eight years, and this was by far the biggest role I’ve ever taken on. What made it even more surreal was that I got the news while at the Eras Tour. It felt like a movie moment—completely unreal. I’ve always loved Deb as a character, and during my audition, I instinctively knew how she would say things. That connection helped me bring my best to the role.”
The Excitement and Challenges of Playing Debra Morgan
“Deb is a beloved character, and people judged me before I even spoke a single line. That was nerve-wracking. But at the same time, I felt ready for it. I had the full support of showrunner Clyde Phillips and producer Robert Lewis. Plus, reading the scripts was thrilling—it was like experiencing a new Dexter story before anyone else.”
Stepping Into the World of Dexter
Brown first watched Dexter in college and was immediately hooked.
“The pilot is one of the best I’ve ever seen. It pulls you in from the start, and you can’t stop watching.”
Jumping into Deb’s character wasn’t easy, especially with the show’s unique block shooting schedule.
“We filmed episodes 4 and 5 first, then jumped to episode 8. In true Deb fashion, it was either sink or swim.”
The Complexity of Deb’s Relationship with Dexter and Harry
Deb has always been an outsider in the complex relationship between her father, Harry, and her brother, Dexter. Brown found herself experiencing that dynamic off-screen as well.
“Paddy and Christian naturally had more scenes together, and while they never excluded me, they spent more time with each other. There were times I’d finish a scene, and they’d be laughing together while I stood on the outside looking in—just like Deb.”
How Brown Made Debra Her Own
“If you thought Deb was emotional in the original series, imagine her at 17. Her brain isn’t even fully developed yet. She’s hormonal, temperamental, and rough around the edges. That gave me the freedom to make her my own.”
A Defining Moment in Episode 8
A pivotal moment for Deb occurs in episode 8, where audiences see a rare, vulnerable side of her.
“We’ve only seen Deb cry twice in the series, and both times she’s completely alone. That’s key to understanding her—she hides her pain behind snarky one-liners and tough talk. It was important to show that side of her.”
The Comic-Con Experience and Joining the Dexter Fandom
Attending Comic-Con 2024 was a surreal experience for Brown.
“The hall had a capacity of 8,000, and I thought, ‘What if no one shows up?’ But it was packed! Seeing that level of excitement in person was incredible.”
As for joining the Dexter fanbase, Brown is fully embracing it.
“I’m a part of this fandom, and I’m so grateful for it.”
What’s Next for Molly Brown?
“I’ve been developing a pitch for a series based on my short film collection, ‘Boy Shorts.’ We’re preparing to pitch it soon, and I’m excited to explore more aspects of film and television production.”
With her compelling performance as young Debra Morgan, Molly Brown has won over fans and proved she was the right choice for the role. Now, all eyes are on Showtime as viewers eagerly await news of Dexter: Original Sin’s future.
Source: Schön!