Jason Bateman Returns to Directing with Netflix Crime Comedy After 11 Years Jason Bateman is set to direct his first film in over a decade, marking a significant return to the big screen with a new Netflix project. The comedy-crime film, titled The Cackling of the Dodos, will star Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson in leading roles. Based on a script by Rye Curtis, the story follows a farmer and his boss who become entangled in a shocking cover-up after discovering a corpse in a grain bin. Rockwell, an acclaimed actor with a storied career, has appeared in numerous high-profile films, including The Green Mile, Galaxy Quest, Charlie's Angels, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Frost/Nixon, Iron Man 2, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Jojo Rabbit, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, and The White Lotus. His portrayal of Jason Dixon in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri earned him critical acclaim and multiple awards, including nods at the Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics' Choice Awards, and BAFTAs. Harrelson, who also appeared in Three Billboards, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars but lost to Rockwell. Harrelson has a long history in both film and television, beginning with his breakout role in the sitcom Cheers and later starring in projects like The People vs. Larry Flynt, No Country for Old Men, The Hunger Games, Now You See Me, LBJ, The Edge of Seventeen, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and others. Bateman has a strong history with Netflix, having previously starred in the comedy series Arrested Development, which was revived by the streaming platform after being canceled by Fox. He later starred in the four-season crime drama Ozark, earning several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.#netflix #jason_bateman #sam_rockwell #woody_harrelson #three_billboards_outside_ebbing_missouri
Netflix Unveils New Feature Film Directed by Jason Bateman During a press event on Wednesday, Netflix executives Dan Lin and Jinny Howe announced The Cackling of the Dodos, a new feature film set to be directed by Jason Bateman and starring Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, and Bateman himself. The project marks a return to the streaming giant’s theatrical slate for Bateman, who previously worked on Ozark and Black Rabbit. The film follows George, a small-town farmer who faces a chaotic ordeal after discovering a corpse in a grain bin, leading him to inadvertently become embroiled in a cover-up orchestrated by his boss, Denny. The screenplay is based on an original story by novelist Rye Curtis, known for his work on Kingdomtide. Rockwell, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, has appeared in recent films such as Argylle, See How They Run, and the Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die series. Harrelson, a three-time Oscar nominee, brings his acclaimed performances from Three Billboards, The Messenger, and The People vs. Larry Flynt to the project. His recent filmography includes Ella McCay, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and Fly Me to the Moon. Bateman, who received a SAG-AFTRA Actor Award nomination for Black Rabbit, also starred in the 2024 thriller Carry-On, which remained on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for eight weeks. His work on Ozark earned the series 45 Emmy nominations across its four-season run. Netflix Film Chairman Dan Lin addressed the streamer’s theatrical ambitions in the wake of Warner Bros.’ pursuit of a theatrical strategy, stating, “Give us some time.” He also clarified that Netflix does not require filmmakers to restate plot details for viewers on their devices, emphasizing that such a policy does not exist.#jason_bateman #sam_rockwell #woody_harrelson #dan_lin #jinny_howe
DTF St Louis review: David Harbour and Jason Bateman excel in this quirky whodunit – The Irish Times The Irish Times’ review of DTF St Louis highlights the show’s unique blend of humor and mystery, with David Harbour and Jason Bateman delivering standout performances. The series, described as existing in a parallel reality, offers a refreshing take on the whodunit genre, blending eccentric characters and surreal scenarios. Set in a fictionalized version of St Louis, the show’s creators have crafted a world where the boundaries of reality blur, allowing for a series of interconnected mysteries that defy conventional storytelling. Harbour, known for his role in Stranger Things, brings a nuanced depth to his character, while Bateman, a veteran of comedy and drama, adds a layer of charm and wit. Their chemistry elevates the narrative, making the show’s quirky premise feel both original and engaging. The review notes that DTF St Louis is part of a growing trend in US television where elevated quirkiness has become a subtle but influential force. This trend, while not without its critics, has gained quiet popularity among audiences seeking a break from traditional formats. The show’s success is attributed to its ability to balance absurdity with emotional resonance, creating a viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. While the series has its share of eccentricities, the review praises its commitment to character development and narrative cohesion. The blend of humor and mystery allows viewers to immerse themselves in the show’s world, where every episode feels like a standalone adventure yet contributes to a larger, interconnected story. This approach has helped DTF St Louis carve out a niche in the crowded television landscape, offering a fresh perspective on the whodunit genre.#david_harbour #jason_bateman #dtf_st_louis #stranger_things #st_louis
DTF St. Louis: Jason Bateman Unpacks Episode 2 Interrogation Clark Forrest, portrayed by Jason Bateman, faces mounting complications in the second episode of DTF St. Louis, titled “Snag It.” The episode delves into his affair with Carol, the widow of his deceased friend Floyd, as he navigates an interrogation by Detective Donoghue Homer. Viewers witness the early stages of their relationship, including their kink-filled “dream” sessions at a local motel, which Clark humorously attempts to avoid discussing with Homer. As the episode unfolds, Clark’s character diverges from Bateman’s previous roles, such as the sharp-witted Marty Byrde. Bateman emphasized that his decision to take the role stemmed from admiration for creator Steven Conrad’s work, noting the script’s unique blend of tragedy and absurdity. The episode opens with Clark and Carol’s first encounter at a cornhole party hosted by Floyd. Carol’s flirtatious advances lead Clark into a fabricated story about running a deep-sea demolition company in Canada, a lie he claims is why he’s called “the Bang Master.” The scene’s humor and Clark’s shame are highlighted by Bateman, who described the character’s desperation and the absurdity of his situation. Co-star David Harbour, who plays Floyd, laughed at the scene’s absurdity, sharing Bateman’s appreciation for Clark’s chaotic behavior. As the episode progresses, Clark’s emotional state shifts. By the time Detective Homer interrupts his weather report with handcuffs, Clark has reached a tentative sense of peace regarding his affair and Floyd’s death. Bateman portrayed Clark as someone who has processed his grief and feels a sense of arrogance for having shared Floyd’s friendship, a contrast to Homer’s lack of such experiences.#jason_bateman #steven_conrad #detroit_st_louis #david_harbour #jodie_plumb
