Ozark showrunner Chris Mundy reveals he is open to a spinoff as the popular Netflix series debuts its finale. Ozarks follows the tale of Marty and Wendy Byrde as they uproot their family from Chicago and move to the Missouri Ozarks, intent on laundering money for a Mexican drug cartel. With starring roles from Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, and Julia Garner, both critics and audiences alike widely consider Ozark one of the modern era's most compelling and well-written crime dramas. The four-season thriller released its final episodes on April 29, 2022.
As the final episodes of Ozark streamed in Netlfix, the series' signature twists and turns remained ever-present and ultimately ended with major character deaths and a shocking scene in the series' final moments as Jonah Byrde resorts to murder. In a recent interview, showrunner Mundy discussed the final scene and noted its intent to catch audiences off guard completely. With Jonah being the last family member to resort to violence, it's safe to say that audiences received the message and likely crave more of the criminal Byrde family business.
In a recent sitdown with Netlix's Tudum, Mundy revealed he is open to an Ozark spinoff after the series finale. While speaking on the topic, Mundy describes the series as complete, not intending to set up plotlines to go any further in this Ozark world. However, Mundy readily admits he is not entirely devoted to permanently keeping the Ozark world closed. Check out his exact statement on the topic below:
If [a spinoff] could happen on its own, then great, because it's a world that I really love. But we did four — kind of, five — seasons, 44 episodes. And I want them to feel like a whole, not like they were built to go somewhere else. But it's been the last six years of my life, and it's been a lot of fun. So doing more inside this world would almost certainly be a blast.
Not every show can support a quality spinoff series, but that is likely not the case for Netflix's Ozark. The show is so dynamic and layered that branching off into a new area of focus could be truly exciting. Topping the fan-desired spinoff possibilities is a prequel series centered around the Langmore family, building a coming-of-age backstory to fan-favorite Ruth Langmore. Another opportunity for a spinoff could explore Wendy's political career in Chicago, assuming the Byrde family gives the Windy City another shot. While these are only two feasible spinoff options, Ozark embodies many possibilities.
While the possibility of Ozark developing into a full-blown universe is unknown, the show as it stands will continue making an impact on the television landscape. Along with its intelligent writing, the compelling storylines and dynamic characters continue converting casual viewers into full-blown Ozark fanatics. Since Mundy has previously divulged his lack of planning for spinoff aspirations, it is generally unlikely that audiences will see anything new come out of the Ozark camp anytime soon. However, anything can happen when the door is not permanently closed on the situation.
Source: Netflix's Tudum