Outer Banks' John B, JJ and Pope are certifiable clickbait, but don’t be fooled—the series is more than a display of handsome starring players. The complex, edge-of-your-seat drama skyrocketed to global fame earlier this year, featuring an intricate plot that viewers can’t help but invest themselves in. The release of the Netflix series was a savior to one’s early quarantine couch routine, allowing audiences to live vicariously through the characters’ electrifying (and often life-threatening) adventures as they search for gold. The tension between the “Pogues” (consisting of the show’s core characters) versus the “Kooks” (a wealthier, socially superior group) conjures images of West Side Story’s dueling gangs—with a modern, treasure-hunting twist, of course. As John B (Chase Stokes) and his friends search for a valued prize linked to his father’s disappearance, several actors substantiate the composite story, including Julia Antonelli, who plays Wheezie, the younger sister of John B’s girlfriend, Sarah Cameron (Madelyn Cline). As Sarah pursues the quest for gold, Wheezie attempts to uncover a mystery of her own: what, exactly, her siblings are up to in their escapades. Antonelli brings intense focus and emotional depth to her character, establishing a likability that lies beyond the standard “annoying little sister” role. Below, she sheds light on what makes the show so popular and hints at what to expect in Season 2. (Warning: series spoilers ahead.)

How did you first become involved with Outer Banks?

I've been acting since I was around 11, and I did some shows for Nickelodeon. But my audition for Outer Banks was different. I did a self-tape and sent it in. The script was just a couple of pages long, but they offered me the job right away. It only took one audition, and I flew out to [South Carolina] to start filming a week after.


How did you tap into your character on set?

Wheezie is the annoying little sister. I have an older brother who's 25. I tapped into my younger self, because I used to annoy him when his friends came over. It was almost easy to play Wheezie because I was just as annoying when I was younger.


What is your favorite scene or episode you filmed?

The fifth episode of Season 1 when there’s a big summer party. It was such a fun episode to film because it was really like a party. There were a ton of people there, and they had food and music playing. 


Since you were one of the youngest cast members, was there an older actor/actress who mentored you throughout the filming process?

Drew [Starkey], who plays Rafe. He's amazing. When I was doing scenes with him, he was in full character, and he helped me get to where I need to be for the scene to be good. Maddie [Cline], who plays Sarah, was also amazing. They both helped me to become Wheezie. I also had most of my scenes with them, because they played my siblings so we spent a lot of time together, and we’re really close.

Any behind-the-scenes blooper memories you can share?

Austin [North], who plays Topper, had to fall off a bed during one scene. We filmed it so many times, and it was so funny because every time he fell off the bed, you'd hear a loud smash hit the floor. I felt bad for him!


How does Wheezie transform throughout the series?

She starts as an average brat—no offense to myself. But along the way, when she sees Maddie needs to escape her room, she knows something is wrong because her sister is so worried. Wheezie becomes less of a brat along the way because she knows something is going on, other than the fact that her wifi is not on.


In your opinion, what is the main message behind Outer Banks?

Friendship is a huge part of the show, both on and off-camera. The cast is so tight. We’re such good friends, and it really shows on camera. We’re just as close as our characters are with each other. 


Has it been difficult filming Season 2 amid the pandemic?

We’re about three months into filming. COVID has made it pretty difficult, but we've all been really safe throughout the process. We get tested all the time, and we have to wear masks and face shields. Everything is very up to code with the whole COVID situation.


What do you hope will happen for both Wheezie and the plot in general during Season 2?

I hope that she finds out what's really going on. She trusts her brother, but she doesn't know that he’s a murderer. I hope she gets more involved and that Sarah tells her what's going on with her father and the whole family. I also hope everybody finds out that Sarah and John B are still alive! Fans are definitely not going to be disappointed—they’re going to love Season 2 just as much as they loved Season 1.

Follow Julia on Social Media:

Instagram: @julia_antonelli

TikTok: @julia_antonelli