Jason Bateman Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Jason Bateman breaks down his most iconic and favorite characters, including roles in 'Little House on the Prairie,' 'Teen Wolf Too,' 'Juno,' 'Arrested Development,' 'Dodgeball,' 'Hancock,' 'The Switch,' 'Horrible Bosses,' 'Ozark' and more.
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For more than 50 years, GQ has been the premier men’s magazine, providing definitive coverage of style, culture, politics and more. In that tradition, GQ’s video channel covers every part of a man’s life, from entertainment and sports to fashion and grooming advice. Welcome to the modern guide to style advice, dating tips, celebrity videos, music, sports and more.
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[@XIII-TheBlackCat]

He's like that English teacher you never want to see upset and is hilarious without doing anything.

[@hamishwilson9787]

@@hibbidyjibbidyy she was in arrested development wasn't she?

[@ArmanZaidi]

great example

[@gdogmack]

I love Bateman. He seems like he’s unimpressed with his own career. 😂

[@NZWarriors1995]

"I don't know the name of that character I played....*yawn*"

[@caststhennow]

With all the problems he has ( Marty ) , he can never be happy! Never seen him happy!

[@calisongbird]

@@NZWarriors1995 right?? In one, he didn’t even remember the name of the animated movie - then he said “go check that one out.” 😂

[@SimplesRugs]

Thought this said Batman

[@malleomusic]

He literally just plays as himself in most movies he just has to do different things

[@calebbuckingham4017]

This man doesn't age, he looked 35 in his twenties and looks 35 at 50.

[@gourmey9058]

Same with Rob Lowe

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

The clock basically stopped for him on the Teen Wolf Too set.

[@amfram]

ShreadTheWeapon probably the chemical burns

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Yeah same with Keanu Reeves. At some point they all stopped aging. Maybe their android bodies can only age till a certain degree and then just stay at that stage for ever.

[@charlesludwig8672]

Jared Leto looks 20 even though he's 50

[@mimbis]

I love that Jason still speaks as if he's Michael on Arrested Development. His pacing and comedic timing is so perfect and similar to Michaels.

[@chowder8802]

"You cry a lot on the Prairie. "

[@Rheubie]

I've been to Saskatchewan... can confim. :/

[@VoyageOne1]

I can't read that without thinking of Nick in Zootopia

[@jenjen4louise]

Thank you! That was my favorite part.

[@sophside9931]

So funny and witty

[@adamwiggins9865]

Because Micheal Landon was drunk and mean😢

[@TxcGren]

He looks the exact same as he did in Arrested Development back in '04

[@Becky.g.63.]

It's like he doesn't age

[@Gorbgorbenson]

A lil more wrinkles.

[@MikeRiderOOO]

Clean living I believe.

[@wiggledixbubsy98]

@Shawn Kemp bruh

[@vg4life]

You mean ‘03.

[@barnabaswannabe4652]

Definitely dont have to pretend to be interested in Jason Bateman- he's super dope

[@SonnyGTA]

Barnabas WannaBe he’s actually quite intelligent. Very opposite of a dope.

[@AB-gz9yb]

I love him in ozark

[@suryapanditi3161]

@@SonnyGTA Aye aye aye, that’s very disappointing of you to say

[@ThisEpicLife]

I live pretty close to where he's been filming "Ozark," and am happy to say that the locals all say he's a very nice, down-to-Earth guy. I was happy to hear this, because I've always liked him.

[@JudeHavoc]

I’ve always loved Jason Bateman, and his performance in OZARK is outstanding! To have someone who usually plays comedic roles tackle a character and the dark tone that is provided in OZARK is a breathe of fresh air, Bateman plays Marty Byrde beautifully and I highly advise everybody to watch the show :)

[@rossedwards2735]

+SilentNova very true, Ozark is so badass. They say comedy's the hardest thing to do well, I think that's why most good comedic actors really shine when they go for dramatic roles.

[@robertkielty5094]

I don't like Ozark. I LOVE IT! Jason there is brilliant. As is the rest of the cast young and old. And the writing, top shelf. 5 stars. A must see show.

[@andrewdyke5561]

Brian Cranston did it better

[@mutinyontheark]

If you look at it super broadly, it is both middle aged men getting involved somehow in the drug trade due to money issues. But the character is no Walter White, he's not going down the villain route and communicating more with his family. They're very different characters.

[@Wildchile]

he also directed

[@eldavis3084]

I really like Jason Bateman. He's the anti-Mark Wahlberg

[@alfawolf1238]

The NORTH why is he the anti mark

[@slimeballson8929]

AngryPuppy actually he does not he’s been in hits u just don’t like him

[@marshandomness]

Nah he sucks. The directors may be great, but Wahlberg sucks.

[@spencergrady4575]

@@marshandomness nah, he's good.

[@spencergrady4575]

@Renji Ripon lmao just like only Scientologists like Tom Cruise, right? And people can't change either, can they? Nor attone? Every single person is the same exact as they were when they were a kid. It must be sad to have such a narrow minded, cold hearted, black and white view of the world.

[@tarawalker7193]

I often forget how old Jason Bateman is, all while remembering how long he's been in the industry - he's aged so beautifully! And he's funnier and better in every role!

[@a4andrei]

Obsessed with Ozark!

[@user-od4op6ng9y]

Best show I've watched in a long time. Bad thing is I watched both seasons within days. I need more Marty Bird

[@michelleguzman3277]

Andrei Agulescu me too

[@AB-gz9yb]

I binged watched both seasons over a weekend I’m waiting for season 3

[@KG-kq7kn]

Can we get one of these with Danny DeVito? 😇

[@rickjamesdos2239]

Yes

[@BrienMalone]

It’d be GQs first 5 hour long iconic breakdown

[@diegodelgado9764]

Yes and jack nicholson

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

be interesting to hear a few Always Sunny in Philly stories

[@_Majunior]

While we can

[@MrBassist1996]

Wish they talked about Bad Words. Super Underrated movie

[@audreynerette1183]

Bassist1996 i love ittt

[@belindabrady7687]

Check out the vanity fair one posted few days ago. He talks about it there

[@lukecage5524]

I love that movie !

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Instead they keep bringing up Dodgeball, in which JB claims to have worked only 2 hrs on the set. That's worth mentioning?

[@britbloc123]

+Bassist1996 Bad Words is not underrated. Most people who saw it rated it very highly. It's simply a lesser known movie. An underrated movie is a movie which is criticised by audiences and forgotten about but is actually good.

[@Jamminn555]

Incredible actor (and director) who doesn't get enough credit. Instantly relatable and compelling, whether in comedy or drama. Thanks GQ and Jason.

[@Sataru]

I was expecting Jason to talk about his character in Game Night, because I laughed so hard throughout the entire movie and the acting was great :D

[@LAlindquist]

Absolutely! Great movie. Jesse Plemons was amazing. Watching Jason & Rachel play off of him was comedic gold

[@dominiquedoeslife]

Sataru Animations omg that movie is epic af

[@dominiquedoeslife]

Paul Lindquist Isn't he an excellent actor?!

[@JordanGingold]

no then there wouldn't be time to plug their latest thing...which is the only reason these actors agree to do these videos in the first place

[@zacharybell9782]

That was a very funny movie

[@swampThaang]

He had me doubting myself: I actually went to IMDB to verify that Teen Wolf Too has no academy awards. (It actually has no awards period). His genius is it is never quite absolutely clear when he is cracking a joke. LOL

[@finishercar]

He's just like Michael in Arrested Development, I LOVE IT. The dry wit. Considering how most child stars end up, he's done incredibly well. I love The Gift and Horrible Bosses.

[@anitasnyder6146]

I feel bad not many people watch arrested development anymore. Michael Bluth is my favorite character because he's like the only one in the family who tries to be responsible.

[@MrJonnyPepper]

"I did this movie and it was easy but I don't remember it"

[@garret1658]

They missed my favorite movie of his called “Game Night”

[@austin78993]

solid little comedy.

[@JH-dr4xo]

Decent

[@ravi3shekh1]

and Bad Words

[@ceofounder]

Jason Bateman is awesome! Magnificent actor/thespian and super cool guy! Love his sarcastic, "Jeff Goldblum" type of acting and timing! I admire and love how his acting career(television/major motion pictures/movies)has endured through the 1980s/1990s/2000s/present! Respect and Salute.

[@gladyspanther]

And what happened Zootopia??? And His foxy version???? Furry Jason Biteman arrrr 🦊🦊

[@Kristina-zf1vf]

he’s decades older than me why am I so attracted to him ??

[@victoriahale5254]

Kristina S daddy issues?

[@TruDis01]

Because attraction is not about numbers

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

Because you have good taste, did I mention Jason and I look similar lol

[@Kristina-zf1vf]

victoria hale hmmm maybe

[@Kristina-zf1vf]

Henchman67 did I mention that I’m a minor?

[@jokybones]

He such an underrated Actor i love him he has a special comedic vibe to him

[@Fatality_2313]

I love him as an actor but I feel like he’s the same in real life as he is in his movies and it’s so refreshing and genuine

[@dodgersdoon1130]

Michael: there's been alot of lying in this family. Lucille: and alot of love Michael: more lying

[@SonnyGTA]

dodgers doon1130 Lucille mistook the sleepy eye for a winky eye.

[@sherylsmallwood-valdivia5375]

The second he said "What do you think of me?" in Juno, I was convinced he was a creep.

[@johnhernandez5938]

I feel like he didn’t think too highly of Hancock when he was speaking about it, but I honestly adored that movie when it came out. It was so surprisingly full of heart and down to earth characters and character building. I loved him in that movie as Will Smith’s opposite trying to help him better himself. Great Film

[@projectpat7449]

We need a Steve Carell and maybe a Will Ferrell breakdown vid. Those would be interesting

[@charlie15627]

Absolutely a Steve Carell

[@darkmacx3338]

I watched the Vanity Fair vid yesterday then I watched this today..... I think i'm in love with Jason Bateman.

[@HeyImDateMike]

*I sure do like pumpkins Cotton!*

[@danmartin8974]

If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball 🔧

[@connorminard1151]

pepper needs new shorts!

[@VoyageOne1]

I loved him as the bully in "Central Intelligence" 😂🤣😂😹

[@jokybones]

yes i almost forgot it was him xD

[@laurmauer119]

“Bold strategy Cotten” is quoted so much within my family.

[@laurmauer119]

@@marklewandowski8474 nope! it's "bold Strategy"

[@susie7336]

Laur Mauer aw, fun family!

[@lazaroledon1107]

I wish they would've talked about change up

[@johannamarlennesaucedo]

I love Jason Bateman in everything he is in. I will watch absolutely anything starring him. Keep these coming, GQ!

[@discopotato675]

This episode was way too short. Everything he does is GOLD... Bad Words is one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@officialnickbillions]

I just love him as an actor because it's easy to know who he is in every film and I love how he makes almost any scene funny, yet serious enough to not be SNL-ish at the same time!

[@big3ye378]

Bad Words was my favorite Jason Bateman movie

[@kellcolton928]

“You cry a lot on the prairie “. I love him !

[@smosmilesmom]

I've LOVED Jason Bateman since the 80's!!!! huge fan!!

[@brandontu226]

I loved his character in dodgeball 😂💯

[@ins0858]

This guy will forever launder money for cartels in my mind. I know he's done so many great movies but his performance in Ozark is amazing.

[@JBrotsis1]

GQ...keep these iconic roles videos coming! They’re so good. Want to see one for every actor 😁!

[@Ricky0815]

Ozark is one of the best series ever!😊❤️👍🏼

[@warrenbuckley3267]

Yeah I really like Ozark. We're on episode 6 of season 2.

[@JH-dr4xo]

It’s really good but it’s not in that discussion yet imo. I’m hoping next season comes in with a BANG

[@cindyrichards7069]

Love him in everything he does. great actor.

[@eastportland]

It was very low profile, but I really liked Extract, with Mila Kunis and Kristen Wiig.

[@jonnyquest7099]

Awesome movie with a great cast. Ben Affleck character is brilliant

[@Melinda8162]

@@jonnyquest7099 I just saw it again! It was a riot!!

[@bangbangbookreviews762]

You missed Silver Spoons! Derek was such a little a-hole; I loved it.

[@sayuri3917]

I love "The Switch". The chemistry between him and the kid is amazing.

[@unaalic5351]

I agree! But the chemistry between him and Jennifer is unbelievable. They look so good togehter in movies.

[@23mekyas]

The Gift is UNDERRATED.

[@__berichh5375]

That movie sticks under my skin because I was not expecting him to be so creepy at the end. I can’t rewatch!

[@jmac7034]

💯

[@minalsalam2426]

I have literally watched Jason my whole life and to watch him grow as an actor in all his different parts is amazing - love him in couple's retreat and sadly a roll that gets looked over is his role in Smokin Ace's , one of my favorites . The only thing that could have made it better is if his part was bigger . Which Joel Edgerton was in also . Love them both !

[@calisongbird]

Couples Retreat was such a disaster of a movie

[@soot9145]

6:42 That's such a dad thing to say. Yes, there are people over 16 watching this, don't worry Jason

[@tylerculberson350]

No idea why or how but he became my favorite actor watching him on Ozark and arrested development all the time

[@lesturner]

More recently he was his usual excellent self in the movie "Game night". Full of twists & turns and very funny.

[@jwwj30]

Definitely one of my top 5 favorite "everyman" actors I can relate to, with or without the humor. For me, Ozark is his shining star. Can't wait for season 3 next summer (2019).

[@windwoman3549]

Love Jason Bateman. He’s a showbiz veteran, never been involved (to my knowledge) in any seedy scandals, & he’s really underrated as an actor. He reminds me of Morgan Freeman & Tom Hanks in that his decency always shines through, no matter what the character is like. I’ve always gotten the feeling that Bateman is the voice of reason in a room full of flakes. Horrible Bosses, Bad Words, Juno - a few of my favorite comedies! And if you haven’t, check out “Extract” - pretty good, too.

[@avamathers9550]

I love Ozark and I adore Jason Bateman - I love how down to earth he is and can take the Mickey out is himself. He’s a Hollywood treasure!

[@Rakshasa1986]

I want Jason Bateman to become Jason Batman.

[@thetrustybutterknifean80sa19]

Jason Bateman: '80s SUPER ICON!!!

[@moselc09]

So happy to be introduced to this eye candy on Juno! He's been one of my fave actors ever since!

[@carlparker3571]

Jason Bateman is one of the few actors, I actively look for movies he is in.

[@abdulrahmantabaza9423]

He stopped aging when he started Arrested Development.

[@cegraziano1LOVE]

Omg I love The Switch!!! I came across it randomly on Netflix one night and it was so funny

[@rjmq433]

Pepper Brooks is my favorite comedy movie character ever. I quote him all the time

[@firstname__lastname]

Jason!! You're so good in The Outsider and The Ozarks!! I love it when you're directing and in drama roles!

[@1RobW]

Would of liked to hear about 'Paul'

[@starerik]

At least this one had Dodgeball. Arthur and the Invisibles (Minimoys) is the other animated movie he did, if anyone wondered.

[@TimothyLeeClark]

Bateman is incredible in Ozark. One of the best shows out there.

[@AdityaSegara]

So many reasons to love Jason Bateman

[@MrPhoenixsuns]

Underrated actor

[@anitasnyder6146]

Teen Wolf Too reminds me of another film I've watched before.

[@Domcas74]

I have loved Jason in films since I saw him at the cinema in teen wolf 2. And it is so good to see he is a nice bloke in real life too.

[@patrickdoran180]

Loved him in 'Dodgeball'. He's fantastic in 'Ozark', too.

[@aidensnyder3708]

I love ❤️ him as Nick Wilde. Sometimes when I watch the movie, Nick kind of looks like him.

[@oskaveli662]

Jason Bateman and David Garrison (Married with Children) were absolutely hilarious in "It's your move".

[@jacobyrassilon]

THAT'S THE ONE I WAS TRYING TO THINK OF!!!!! BLESS YOU! "You're gonna laugh...." and The Dregs of Humanity....those are my main memories of that show

[@Estusstew]

He seems like such a chill guy. I really liked ozark, good show

[@KyloRen4238]

Jason Bateman Shows 1. Jason Bateman, Max Davis - The Simpsons 2005 - 2020 2. Tommy Turner - The Fairly Oddparents 2005 Movies 3. Nick Wilde - Zootopia 2016 4. Agent Zoil - Paul 2011 5. Jason Bateman - Awards Ceremony - Tropic Thunder 2008

[@brantisonfire]

5:22 I want to see a Gary Cole edition of this retrospective series

[@liamc3433]

"Todd howard was a character that presented not alot of creative challenge for except for getting in and out of the prostetic make up witch took a few hours." Yeah i loved him in the bethesda biopic.

[@knives6683]

Been waiting ages for Jason.. Awesome dude and super funny.

[@deeZnutZ-kx1gn]

Jason have beautiful voice

[@anitasnyder6146]

I think most people like the first Horrible Bosses more than the second one.

[@XxXspawndXxX]

I was hoping he'd open with something about The Gift

[@rpsloss]

So good in Ozark

[@salsaucy2547]

I agree with Jason. Horrible Bosses 2 was waaayyyyyyy better than the first. I love HB1, but 2 was just pure comedy and I loved every second of it start to finish

[@GameTesterBootCamp]

I feel like Jason would be a great addition to the MCU. I don't know who he would play, but I feel like his personality would just fit in so well.

[@charlesludwig8672]

He could have been Hawkeye

[@johnsonartchive8826]

Pre Ozark, I think he'd have made a great Mr. Fantastic

[@Tropical56_]

What about his role as the leader singer of Train?

[@LissetGamino]

He doesn’t even have to be playing an on screen role he’s amazing just as himself . Love him 🙌🏼 amazing amazing actor !!

[@imre456]

State of Play & Smokin’ Aces. So awesome in those. Then again, he’s awesome in everything.

[@bmandango]

Would have love to hear his commentary on doing Extract.

[@nesnioreh]

- So, how was that new pool cleaner? - What do you mean? - What do you think I mean? Did he do a good job cleaning the pool? - Well, I... - Did he get all the leaves? 'Cause it doesn't look really clean.

[@Chalor.]

I'm really, really confused. Why did they not talk about Extract?!? That's by far the best thing they've been in. Anything Mike Judge does is golden.

[@KidFresh71]

Bateman is so humble, particularly about his role in Dodgeball. "That's a bold strategy, Cotton" has become part of everyday lexicon!

[@fernandoguajardo7903]

Always love watching Teen Wolf Too

[@stevenpurtee9774]

How did he not talk about Silver Spoons????

[@cherry-poppins]

For some odd reason I always imagined the devil taking the shape of Jason Bateman

[@kayokaylol]

Sidney Prescott LOL

[@danilopez6425]

I could listen to him talk all day

[@CrispyChknWrap]

“Yeah he will not be able to see very Cotton.” 😂😂

[@73starrdiva]

Been in love w/ Jason since “It’s Your Move”!! 😘😘😍😍 Mmmmmm!! Still 🔥 to me!!!!

[@aidensnyder3708]

Little house on the prairie was weird to my family, but not to me. It’s cool Bateman’s in something that’s real life.

[@mehobbs82]

Did I miss “Bad Words” That is my favorite!!! Thank you for your dedication to the craft

[@erikadlloyd5586]

I had a crush on Jason since Silver Spoons!