There’s a new series that debuts today (Thursday, September 18) on Netflix that’s about to give your Fall TV must-watch list a serious jolt. The new drama, Black Rabbit, plunges headfirst into the cutthroat, high-stakes world of New York City nightlife, all while exploring the explosive ties of family—and the dangerous pursuit of success.
The series centres on two brothers, pushed right to the edge. There’s Jake Friedkin (Jude Law), the ambitious owner of The Black Rabbit, a sleek restaurant and VIP lounge that’s on the cusp of becoming the city’s next big thing. Think bottle service, velvet ropes, and more than a few secrets lurking in the shadows.
But the party’s about to get crashed. The trouble begins when Jake’s brother, Vince (Jason Bateman), unexpectedly returns to the family business. His arrival cracks open old wounds and ushers in fresh dangers, threatening to dismantle everything Jake has built.
More than just a pulse-pounding thriller, Black Rabbit is a sharp character examination of how an unbreakable fraternal bond can utterly shatter their world and pull everything around them into the wreckage.
The first two episodes of Black Rabbit were screened at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival with Law and Bateman on hand for a post-screening Q&A:
The Genesis of Black Rabbit
- Inspired by Nightlife’s Dark Side: The original concept stemmed from Dean and Parrish’s long experience living in New York and observing the city’s restaurant and bar culture. They were fascinated by the difference between the glamorous public “show” and the scandalous, darker underbelly when the lights turn on.
- The Sibling Core: The creative team, both having siblings, knew they wanted to ground the show in the intense, complicated ambition and bond between two brothers.
- A Long Time Coming: The core idea has been around for a long time, but the current production with this group came together relatively quickly over about three years.
Casting, Characters, and Collaboration
- Law as Jake: The creators approached Jude Law for the role of Jake Friedkin, the charismatic owner of The Black Rabbit, having worked with him previously on the film The Order. Law was excited by the project’s richness, the breakdown of the fraternal bond, and the realistic world of late ’90s/early millennium New York bars and their associated scandals.
- Bateman as Vince: Jason Bateman was drawn to playing a character, Vince, who is a complete “liability” and one he doesn’t usually get to play (a departure from his Ozark persona). He and Law had never met but quickly established an easy and rhythmic working relationship, which was crucial for their brother dynamic.
- The Diner Scene: The long, 10-page diner scene between the two brothers was one of the first scenes shot and was a key moment in establishing their dynamic. Bateman (as director) cross-covered the scene with two cameras to allow for natural overlapping dialogue in editing.
- The Multi-Hyphenate Advantage: The creative team discussed the benefits of their multiple roles (writer, director, actor, producer). They described the process as a “constant baton passing” where each person elevated the material—from the writers handing off scripts to Bateman the director, to him empowering department heads to do their best work. This led to a set where everyone felt a sense of “ownership” over the process.
- The “Scumbag” Debate: The creators always envisioned Law as Jake, but Bateman’s casting as the “different” or “darker” character of Vince was a conscious choice. Law, who as a producer had a say in the casting of his brother, was keen on Bateman playing Vince because his natural likability and humour would make the audience more willing to “forgive this guy over and over again.”
Toronto and the Festival Experience
- Unique Warmth of TIFF: Both Law and Bateman praised the warmth and unique atmosphere of the Toronto International Film Festival, noting that it’s a special place to bring a project they care about.
- A Public Celebration: Law spoke of TIFF as a combination of an industry festival and a public celebration of film, allowing them to share their work with an enthusiastic audience. He also reminisced about the growth of the city since his first visit at age 22.
Black Rabbit premieres globally on Netflix on September 18.
