Sam Worthington is opening up about the personal push that convinced him to take on the lead role in Netflix’s hit thriller ‘I Will Find You,’ and it turns out his wife Lara played a major part in the decision. The ‘Avatar’ star, known for blockbuster action roles, found himself drawn to the complex, emotionally charged character of David Burroughs largely because of his partner’s enthusiasm for Harlan Coben’s suspenseful storytelling.

In an exclusive chat at the series’ New York City premiere, Worthington shared that when Coben reached out about the project, Lara didn’t hesitate. “My wife liked Harlan’s series on Netflix,” he explained. “When I said he wanted to chat on the phone, she said, ‘Take the call.’” That simple encouragement proved pivotal for the actor, who stepped into his first major television role in years as a desperate father fighting to uncover the truth about his son’s supposed murder while serving a life sentence. The story’s deep exploration of grief, resilience, and relentless pursuit clearly resonated on a personal level for the family man.

Lara’s influence didn’t stop at the initial green light. The couple, who tied the knot back in 2014 and share three sons—Rocket, Racer, and River—made the show a family affair once the episodes dropped. Sam revealed that Lara and one of their boys stayed up until four in the morning binge-watching the entire season after getting an early screening. The reactions were priceless, with constant attempts to solve the mysteries only to be thrown off by the next twist. “After each episode, they were like, ‘All right, we figured it out.’ Then the next one, ‘All right, we were wrong, we figured it out,’” he recalled with a laugh. It highlights how Coben’s signature style of cliffhangers and shocking reveals keeps even sharp viewers hooked.

Worthington admitted he doesn’t usually push his kids to watch his work—“Kids don’t feed your ego”—but it was meaningful that his son was genuinely excited to dive in. This family connection added an extra layer of satisfaction to the project, transforming it from just another job into something more intimate and rewarding.

Author and executive producer Harlan Coben couldn’t be more thrilled with Worthington’s commitment. He named the actor his first choice for David, praising the “gravitas” he brings to every scene. “He does so much with so little,” Coben noted. “You can feel his pain, you can feel his anguish in his face.” The director even found himself calling Sam “David” on set because of how deeply the star immersed himself. Coben appreciated that Worthington avoided playing the role like a typical action hero, instead delivering a raw, generous performance full of vulnerability.

‘I Will Find You’ marks Coben’s first American Netflix production after many successful U.K. adaptations, and the casting gamble has clearly paid off. Alongside Worthington, the ensemble features Britt Lower, Milo Ventimiglia, and others who bring the twists to life with intensity and heart. The series has dominated charts since its June 18 premiere, drawing massive audiences eager for high-stakes mystery with emotional depth.

For Worthington, the role represents a fresh chapter beyond big-screen spectacles. His willingness to lean into the quieter, more tormented aspects of David shows a willingness to evolve as an artist, supported wholeheartedly by his wife’s instincts. Lara’s role as a sounding board and enthusiastic viewer underscores the importance of having a strong partner in navigating Hollywood’s demanding landscape.

As fans continue to devour the series and debate its mind-bending finale, Worthington’s behind-the-scenes story adds warmth to the thriller’s dark themes. It’s a reminder that even in stories about loss and deception, real-life love and family can be the driving force behind powerful performances. With the show still riding high on Netflix, it’s the perfect moment to appreciate not just the on-screen drama, but the personal stories that helped bring it to life. Whether or not more seasons emerge, this chapter feels complete—and deeply personal for the Worthington household.