Jason Bateman Debates His ‘Ozark’ Morals, as He Justifies His Empathy for ‘Black Rabbit’ Character

Published 09/18/2025, 12:21 PM EDT

Jason Bateman has long captivated audiences with his ability to portray morally complex characters, blending charm with questionable choices in a way that keeps viewers engaged. From the tense, crime-laden world of Ozark to his newest Netflix thriller, Black Rabbit, Bateman has explored the gray areas of human behavior like few actors have. Reflecting on these roles, he recently debated the moral ambiguity of his former character while sharing why he finds it easier to empathize with the latter part.

Jason Bateman's insights reveal not only the challenges of playing nearly villainous characters but also the subtle art of making audiences root for them.

Did Jason Bateman just pick favorites among his Ozark and Black Rabbit roles?

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Jason Bateman recently appeared on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast, where he discussed his "degenerate" character from Black Rabbit. Referencing his past work on Ozark to answer the question, Bateman explained that while both roles navigate not-so-positive territory, his newest character is very different from the previous one. Strikingly, he called Vince, his Black Rabbit role, easier to root for, while his Ozark character committed actions so "legitimately bad" that it made it more complicated for audiences to empathize with him.

On Happy Sad Confused, Jason Bateman, notably, humorously pointed out how Vince runs someone over at the start of the series, but insisted it is not entirely his fault. Despite Vince's drug problem and other questionable choices, Bateman fully backed his part, subtly encouraging viewers to do the same when they watch it. With this, fans are certainly left wondering about the offering's streaming details and release date.

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When does Black Rabbit go live with Jason Bateman and another prolific actor in it? The answer to the question holds a sweet surprise.

Everything to know about Black Rabbit's release

All eight episodes of Black Rabbit are now streaming on Netflix, having dropped in the early hours of September 18. The series follows the aforementioned Jason Bateman character navigating a world of crime, betrayal, and personal demons, much like Ozark, drawing viewers into a tense, unpredictable story. Bateman leads the cast alongside Jude Law, who adds more star power to the gripping drama. With its dark narrative and layered performances, Black Rabbit is easily one of the greatest additions to Netflix's treasure trove of thrillers.

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With Black Rabbit now live on Netflix, Jason Bateman once again proves his talent for diving into morally complex roles, inviting viewers to question who they root for and why. Paired with Jude Law’s magnetic presence, the series promises twists, tension, and moments that linger long after the screen goes dark. Whether one is drawn to its dark humor, gripping drama, or simply curious about Vince’s choices, Black Rabbit is a reminder that the most compelling stories are never black and white: they are deliciously gray.

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Do you think Jason Bateman’s Ozark character was really difficult to root for in comparison to his Black Rabbit role? Let us know in the comments.

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Seema Sinha

362 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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