Jason Bateman Celebrates Emotional "Ozark" Reunion with Laura Linney in "Black Rabbit"

A New Collaboration Between Jason Bateman and Laura Linney

Jason Bateman has always had a clear vision for his projects, and when it came to choosing directors for his new TV series, Black Rabbit, he knew exactly who he wanted. According to Bateman, Laura Linney was the first name on his list. The two had previously worked together on Ozark, where Linney played a pivotal role as Ruth Langmore, and their chemistry on set left a lasting impression.

“She thought about it for a couple of days and said yes,” Bateman recalls, reflecting on how Linney agreed to direct two episodes of Black Rabbit. This decision marked a significant moment in the production, as it brought back one of the most respected actors in the industry to take on a director’s role.

Jude Law, who also stars in Black Rabbit, noted that the cast felt an immense sense of respect whenever Linney walked onto the set. “There's a certain kind of energy when Laura Linney walks on set,” Law said. “It’s something that’s palpable.”

Reuniting on Set

The Ozark reunion came about in a unique way, as Bateman stars as Vince, a recovering addict who crashes back into the life of his brother, Jake (played by Jude Law). The story unfolds in the underbelly of New York City's nightlife, where Vince becomes entangled in a violent web of unpaid loans and betrayal.

When asked if he and Linney felt nostalgic upon reuniting, Bateman confirmed, “Yes, to all of it.” He described Linney as “incredibly gifted in so many areas” and shared how he eventually convinced her to direct an episode on Ozark, which turned out to be one of the best episodes of the show.

Bateman also mentioned that Linney lived just a few blocks from the studio, making it easier for her to commit. “It would’ve been much easier for her to say no, especially since this was two episodes instead of one,” he said. “She thought about it for a couple of days and said yes, thank God.”

A Talented Director

Linney’s ability to connect with actors and understand their performances was another factor that made her a valuable addition to the team. Bateman praised her for her insight and ability to guide actors through their roles. “She’s so talented in the way she can speak to actors, what they’re thinking about, what they’re trying to accomplish with their performance,” he said.

Law added that Linney’s presence on set created a positive atmosphere. “She’s got a wonderful, warm nature,” he said. “She cajoles you gently with her insight.”

Bateman emphasized the importance of the overall vibe on set, noting that a good director can greatly influence the harmony of the production. “If everyone likes where they’re working, you end up getting more from everybody in every department,” he said.

Expanding the Team

In addition to Linney, Bateman also brought in another Ozark collaborator, Ben Semanoff, to helm episodes 5 and 6 of Black Rabbit. Co-showrunner Zach Baylin expressed gratitude for Bateman’s connections, calling Linney and Semanoff “a great get” for the project.

“Laura was such a get, both as a director and as a collaborator, talking through the scripts, getting to see her work with every actor,” Baylin said. “We were grateful for Jason bringing them into the show.”

A Star-Studded Cast

Black Rabbit features a stellar lineup of actors, including Troy Kotsur from CODA, Morgan Spector from The Gilded Age, Cleopatra Coleman from The Last Man on Earth, Sope Dirisu from Gangs of London, Amaka Okafor from Bodies, and Dagmara Domińczyk from Succession.

Other directors for the series include Bateman himself for episodes 1-2 and Justin Kurzel, known for Assassin’s Creed, for episodes 7-8.

Now Streaming

Black Rabbit is now available to stream on Netflix, offering fans a thrilling new series that brings together some of the most talented actors and filmmakers in the industry. With its compelling storyline and strong performances, the show is already making waves among viewers.