Jason Bateman makes eyebrow-raising remark about sister Justine: ‘Don’t see each other a ton’

All in the family. 

Jason Bateman gave a rare update on the status of his relationship with his sister, Justine Bateman, 59. 

“[We] don’t see each other a ton” these days, he told Esquire in a profile published Monday. 

The “Arrested Development” actor 56, has been married to Amanda Anka since 2001, and the couple share daughters Maple, 13, and Francesca, 19. 

He explained that his relationship with his sister “isn’t the typical ‘We see each other every Thanksgiving or every Christmas and our kids want to be together.’” 

Jason Bateman photographed for Esquire in winter 2025. Mark Seliger

Jason Bateman and Justine Bateman during the 2003 premiere of “Out of Order” at Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, Calif. WireImage

Justine is also an actress, best known for “Desperate Housewives” and “Californication.” She also has two kids with husband Mark Fluent. 

Both siblings started as child actors, with Justine beginning her career on “Family Ties” and Jason appearing in “Little House on the Prairie” as a child. 

In a 2017 interview with People, Justine said being famous at an early age was difficult. 

“We were at the level of fame where you just can’t go anywhere,” she noted. “You just try to keep your head above water … I found it frustrating having no control over what people thought of you.” 

She added, “I’m not saying I’m ungrateful for fame at all. I’m just saying it’s a crazy emotional experience.”

Justine Bateman during Showtime Networks’ Television Critics Associations Presentation at Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood, Calif., 2003. FilmMagic, Inc

Justine Bateman and Jason Bateman during the 1987 Toyota Pro-Celebrity Grand Prix Classic at Long Beach Raceway in Long Beach, Calif. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Jason doesn’t talk about his family much, in contrast to how he talks about longtime pal Jennifer Aniston, 56. 

In August, he told Vanity Fair that the “Friends” actress is “the first one to call or text about big dates in the girls’ lives. She has questions about boyfriends.”

When asked if Aniston is like an aunt to his kids, he said, “Aunts you might not see all the time. She’s almost closer to a co-mom with Amanda. She’s been a part of their lives from the moment they were born.”

Justine Bateman and Jason Bateman sighted at the Sheppard Theater, Los Angeles, Calif., March 28, 1986. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Jason Bateman for Esquire in winter 2025. Mark Seliger

Jason told Esquire that he and Justine, who is often vocal about politics and has slammed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, do still keep in touch. 

“Our conversations are the rich conversations you would have with an adult friend, not the kind of petulant back-and-forth you might have with your adult sibling.”

The “Black Rabbit” actor added, “We hang out, and we’re nice to each other because we respect one another as individuals regardless of the blood thing. I’m seeing her for lunch next week.”

Jason Bateman for Esquire in winter 2025. Mark Seliger

Justine Bateman at the “Violet” Photo Call during Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 9, 2021. Getty Images

During a 2015 interview on the “WTF With Marc Maron” podcast, Jason said that he doesn’t believe family relationships are automatically set in stone. 

“Well, let’s earn the relationship that adults should or could have,” he said. “You’re not handcuffed because of the blood. You’ve gotta earn it.”