by Gill Pringle in LA
Co-starring in Netflix crime series Black Rabbit, Bateman’s Vince is the family’s black sheep while Law’s Jake, despite his own glaring flaws, is ostensibly the successful owner of the coolest VIP club in Brooklyn.
If the brothers used to run the Black Rabbit together in the past, during Vince’s prolonged absence, Jake has used his charisma and flair to single-handedly transform it into the most happening scene in town.
But, like all prodigal sons, it’s only a matter of time before self-destructive Vince returns home, wreaking havoc on the lives of everyone around him.
Vince cannot help himself. Opening the door to old traumas and new dangers, he threatens to bring down everything that they’ve built.
Arguably, the Ozark star has made playing the cocky fuck-up his oeuvre and he shines (or possibly glowers is the right word) as Vince – a character who you immediately wish would return to where he came from and stopping ruining everything.
While Bateman and Law were familiar with each other from the awards circuit, Black Rabbit was an opportunity to go much deeper, both signing on as co-producers.
Furthermore, Bateman directed a couple of episodes as did his Ozark co-star Laura Linney and also Australia’s own Justin Kurzel.
The two co-stars bonded almost instantly, although shooting a scene where they’re running along a highway in their underwear undoubtedly strengthened that rapport.
“It was something that I’d always hoped would happen – especially with each other, yeah,” says Law, trying to keep a straight face.
“It was a box checked for us,” adds Bateman. “It was fortunate that it was a little bit off the highway. It wasn’t as quite on the shoulder as scripted, and it was kind of a nice, warm night so, it’s convenient us being in our underwear,” says the actor who has elevated sarcasm to an art form.
The pair both give kudos to the show’s co-creators Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, who based the script off their own New York experiences.
“So much of it was on the page,” says Law. “We were very lucky to be involved, both of us, as producers early on, and we were fortunate to be working with a team of writers who were very inclusive. We had time to share ideas and have input that detailed their relationship.”
“That dynamic was very much at the heart of the story,” Law continues. “Just speaking for myself, as soon as we started putting it down and acting it out, it felt very comfortable between the pair of us as actors. It felt like it was a great map, a great script.
“We both like the opportunity to play within that and push each other. And once you get comfortable in that, there’s no end as long as it can kind of withstand you pushing at the edges, it keeps growing.
“And especially with a familial bond. I think that’s what is so interesting. It’s not like they’re best buddies or new acquaintances. They go right back. They’ve known each other all their lives, and that’s at the heart of really why they put up with each other to the lengths that they do,” says Law whose next role could not be more different, portraying Vladimir Putin from his beginnings at the KGB through to his Russian dictatorship in The Wizard of the Kremlin.
Bateman was clearly impressed by his screen brother. “At the risk of embarrassing Jude, he’s made of the kind of stuff that you can just kind of be with all day, every day, no matter what mood you’re in. That’s helpful when you’re having to play scenes where we really are screaming at each other,” he says.
“And, if you have half a heart in you, you kind of feel weird and bad about screaming about somebody in a very believable way, hopefully. But if you have a great connection with somebody, you’ve got a lot of bank with them, and you don’t feel bad about telling ‘em to go eff themselves.
“So, you’re kinda borrowing against that kind of connection – you use that as brothers would. You can fight as much as you want, and you’re never gonna break up. You’re always gonna be brothers. And then when we’re playing the scenes of connection and deep empathy, that’s also easy. There’s just a natural affection that we have for each other.
“Just ‘cause, you know, we’re not monsters,” he adds.
The eight-episode crime drama features a strong supporting cast Australian actresses Abbey Lee alongside Odessa Young and CODA star Troy Kotsur.
If Black Rabbit takes us on a descending spiral of screw-ups which could normally be avoided by any sensible-minded folk, then Law and Bateman work hard at portraying why these brothers might not necessarily make the right life choices.
“There’s a historical trauma that they share, which is revealed,” says Law. “And once you know there’s something like that in their past, you understand. And, of course, that’s the reveal of the whole show. But you understand why they also have this extra layer of protection over each other and connection.”
“And then again, there’s a moment when you look at somebody across from you that you’re speaking with, there is just an undeniable connection or not that you have,” adds Bateman.
“And there’s an agreement to sort of participate in a connection or not and exercise your people skills or not. And, depending on how much you’re willing to participate in that, will yield a connection and a dynamic that you then share.
“One plus one making three – also, Jude’s incredibly generous and skilled just as a person, but then also his skills as an actor and just as a professional on set, it kinda makes for a great partnership.”
Black Rabbit is streaming now
Main photo: Jude Law and Jason Bateman attend Netflix’s Black Rabbit NY Premiere and After Party on September 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Netflix)
