Behind every hit show, there is that one actor who feels like the glue holding it all together—the face you cannot imagine the series without. For Jason Bateman, that person was Laura Linney in the Netflix smash Ozark. From day one, Bateman and Linney’s electric chemistry as Marty and Wendy Byrde—a married couple juggling crime, chaos, and questionable decisions—was a standout feature in the crime drama. Fans could not stop talking about their dynamic, and for good reason. 

What most people do not know, though, is how Bateman, who not only starred in the show but also served as an executive producer, managed to convince Linney to take on the role. 

Jason Bateman, in one of his SmartLess podcasts, revealed how he got Laura Linney on board for Ozark. Bateman took the actress out for breakfast and pitched the idea to her for about an hour and a half. While Bateman was biting his nails, waiting for Linney's decision, the 60-year-old made the Game Night star’s dream come true by saying “yes”. “The show would never have happened without her,” he added. 

Bateman also shared why he thought Ozark needed Linney more than anyone. As per Bateman, not only could Linney do justice to the character with her “incredible” acting but would also “signal to the audience and to the community in the business about what the show is and what the show isn't”. Linney and Bateman’s bond also grew outside of the Netflix show, so much so that the Arrested Development star even felt Linney could qualify as his wife.

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On the very podcast, Bateman expressed his love and admiration for Linney, along with a potential chance of making her his second wife. 

Jason Bateman and Laura Linney share a great chemistry on screen, which was very evident in Ozark. But little did anyone know they have a comparable bond off-screen as well. In fact, after playing Linney’s husband on the show, Bateman was convinced that the actress could actually be his wife in real life. On his SmartLess podcast, Bateman stated, referencing Linney, “I love, if you could, if you could pick a second wife, she would be it”. 

Bateman also credited his chemistry with Linney as key for the show’s success. Even Linney herself had opened up about the working relationship she shares with Bateman and why it worked the way it did. She cited their different backgrounds and cultures, along with the fact that they operate in completely different ways, as what made their partnership successful. 

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