Jason Bateman is taking a step back from directing Ozark?

In June Netflix confirmed that the thriller ‘Ozark’ will be returning with its fourth and final season. The producers are in the process of generating protocols to ensure the safety of the cast and crew on set and expect the season to be aired on schedule. In an interview with IndieWire, Jason Bateman says the production for the Ozark season 4 is expected to start in by the 9th of November. They elaborated that no major changes are expected in the cast. The season would feature fourteen episodes, but the run would be divided into two parts (seven episodes each). The plot would revolve around Marty Byrde’s final attempts to break the ties with the Navarro drug cartel and live peacefully with his family. Fans expect the last season to be as exciting and successful as the previous ones and win several awards. 

Jason Bateman does not plan to direct episodes in Ozark Season 4.

The only change reported this season is related to the direction. Jason Bateman, the lead in Ozark, may not direct any episodes this season. He has directed quite a few episodes previously; four in season 1, two in season 2, and two in season 3. His direction in season 2 landed him an Emmy for ‘Best drama directing’ in 2019; so we were under the impression he would work the camera and direction in the upcoming season as well. The reason why we will not see Bateman’s direction in episodes now is the limited stage and production access. 

As normal, I was going to do the first two episodes, but as we were looking through the protocols, the guidelines, all the complications with COVID. The producer side of me made me think it’s just not responsible to have one of the actors direct the first two (episodes). Given that we’re still going to be getting our perimeter safe.

He explains how heartbreaking it is to not be able to direct this year.

It’s breaking my heart. I love directing that show, but it just didn’t make any sense to start out the season like that.

The story of the Netflix show depicts a family involved in money laundering and moves to a new town. Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), move from Chicago to the Lake of Ozark, Missouri with his wife (Wendy Byrde) and two kids. Marty fully expects that running operations in that part of the country would be easy. However, the number of enemies he makes increases as his family, neighbors, and authorities learn about his secrets. We expect to see the ending of this thriller soon now. Also, we hope that the production faces no further delays due to the 2020 global health crisis lockdowns.