Bateman's wild ride: Near-retirement to Netflix deal

Jason Bateman, now 57, experienced a period in his 20s where he nearly abandoned his acting career after a series of flops and canceled sitcoms. He seriously considered retiring to open a coffee shop in Europe.

However, the 2003 role of Michael Bluth in 'Arrested Development' became a turning point, reviving his career. This led to subsequent successes, including the Netflix series 'Ozark,' and the establishment of his production company, Aggregate Films.

Bateman credits his past struggles with appreciating current opportunities, stating that experiencing a lack of prospects keeps him motivated. His diverse ventures now include a highly successful podcast, 'SmartLess,' and numerous film and television projects.

His career began in childhood, with early roles in 'Little House on the Prairie' and 'The Hogan Family.' Despite early success, he navigated complex dynamics with his parents managing his career and felt the pressure of maintaining academic performance for work permits.

By his early 20s, work offers dwindled, leading to a period of heavy partying. He managed to curb his excesses after landing 'Arrested Development,' consciously deciding to prioritize his career and future family.

Bateman has since become a respected director and producer, notably for 'Ozark,' and has a first-look deal with Netflix. His production company, Aggregate Films, aims to develop high-profile projects beyond just starring roles.