Ozark star Joseph Sikora is teasing the possibility of a Frank Jr. and Ruth spin-off series. The hit crime drama first premiered on Netflix in 2017 and follows the Byrde family, who relocate to the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, in order to build a larger money laundering operation. Once there, they find themselves involved with local criminals and the Kansas City Mob. Sikora portrays Frank Cosgrove Jr., the hot-headed and conceited heir to the mob and regarded by many as one of Ozark's best supporting characters. His increasingly aggressive conflicts with Ruth have resulted in a number of intense actions, including a particularly memorable attack. Sikora became featured in the show's third season, joining a cast of actors that includes Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner, Lisa Emery, and Julia Garner, who plays Ruth.
Netflix released the first half of Ozark's fourth and final season on January 21, 2022. Previously, Frank brutally striking Ruth led to Darlene shooting his father in an act of revenge. As season 4 begins, Sikora's character appears to be looking to make amends, apologizing to Ruth, who reveals to him what Darlene had done and eventually turns to him for answers following Darlene and Wyatt's deaths. While Darlene's death at the hands of Javi was an upsetting twist for those hoping to see the character become more of a prominent antagonist in the final season, the fact that Frank Jr. did not retaliate proved to many that his change could be real. His need for Ruth to believe that he was not involved also revealed more about their evolving relationship.
Now, while speaking with EW, Joseph Sikora is teasing a potential future for Frank Jr. and Ruth following Ozark's conclusion. The actor admits that there is still a lot left to be seen in the show's final seven episodes, but says that there is certainly a love growing between the two characters. He also praises Ruth's actor, Julia Garner, stating that she is dynamic and fun to watch, before adding, "I just enjoyed every minute of being on screen with her." Read Sikora's initial quote regarding the two character's below:
"Him and Ruth, I mean, do I sense a spin-off there? There's some love growing in the air. Let's see if Frank Jr. survives the season first."
Alfonso Herrera recently discussed Ozark season 4 part 2, calling the final episodes of the show mind-blowing. Part 2 is expected to be released on the streaming platform sometime this year, and it has been suggested that the conflict between Javi and Ruth after the deaths of Darlene and Wyatt will be heightened as well. During its run, the series has managed to be consistently surprising, and given its dark tone, it is highly possible that the death toll increases before its finale. A lot of the theories surrounding Ozark's conclusion and what it will do revolve primarily around the Byrde family, and with Marty and Wendy taking on more villainous roles themselves, they could meet their end before characters like Frank Jr. and Ruth.
With Frank Jr. seemingly changing for the better and Ruth being one of Ozark's most likable characters and a favorite among fans, it will be interesting to see how their stories end. However, just as the series has continued to explore throughout its entirety, none of its characters are as clear-cut or identifiable as either good or bad. Having such loyal fanbase behind it, an Ozark spin-off could be in the realm of possibility, but like Sikora alluded to, there are still a number of episodes left to be seen.
Source: EW