Jason Bateman reveals the real reason he and sister Justine Bateman rarely see each other

Jason Bateman has shared a rare and candid insight into his relationship with sister Justine Bateman, revealing that while they remain close, they do not see each other very often.

In a new interview for Esquire’s Winter Meaning of Life issue, the 56-year-old actor said he and his sister, 59, “don’t see each other a ton” but still make time to connect when their schedules allow.

“There isn’t the typical, ‘We see each other every Thanksgiving or every Christmas and our kids want to be together,’” he said. “There isn’t that. In a great way.”

The Zootopia 2 star explained that their bond functions more like a friendship between two adults than a traditional sibling relationship.

“Our conversations are the rich conversations you would have with an adult friend,” Bateman said, adding that there is no ill will between them. “We respect one another as individuals, regardless of the blood thing.”

He also revealed that the siblings are set to meet for lunch next week.

Separate paths in Hollywood

Justine Bateman rose to fame at 16 with her role in Family Ties, while her younger brother broke out at 11 in Little House on the Prairie. Both have since forged their own careers, with Jason now working on projects including Netflix’s Black Rabbit and Disney’s Zootopia 2.

Clearing up political tension rumours

Bateman’s comments follow Justine’s statement in September, where she dismissed speculation that the siblings were divided over politics after she publicly supported Donald Trump’s 2024 election win.

She said anyone attempting to create a political rift between them would be muted or blocked on social media.