Sam Worthington Says His Wife Is the Reason He Said Yes to Leading Harlan Coben’s I Will Find You (Exclusive)

The ‘Avatar’ star tells PEOPLE his wife, Lara Worthington, encouraged him to “take the call”.

Sam Worthington leads Harlan Coben’s I Will Find You, which marks his first major TV role in years.

The actor tells PEOPLE at the New York City premiere why he said yes to playing David Borroughs, a father who breaks out of prison.

I Will Find You is now streaming on Netflix.

I Will Find You was an easy yes for Sam Worthington.

The Avatar star leads Netflix’s new Harlan Coben adaptation, which finds him playing David Borroughs, an inmate convinced that his young son — whom he was convicted of murdering — is actually still alive.

Worthington’s reason for boarding the project was simple: “My wife liked Harlan’s series on Netflix,” he tells PEOPLE of his wife, Lara Worthington, at the series’ New York City premiere. “When I said he wanted to chat on the phone, she said, ‘Take the call.'”

Twelve of Coben’s novels have been adapted for the screen in the U.K. and I Will Find You marks his first production on American soil. The series also got Lara’s stamp of approval. “She watched it the other day. We got an early screening, so [she] and my son watched it until four in the morning,” Sam says. “They binged them all.”

“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 adds. “I think that’s part of the fun, trying to figure out the puzzle through all the twists and turns and cliffhangers.”

Sam shares sons Rocket, Racer and River with Lara, whom he married in 2014. He says that his boys aren’t exactly his main audience. “I’m not going to ask them to [watch my stuff],” he says. “Kids don’t feed your ego, but it was interesting that my son wanted to watch [I Will Find You].”

Britt Lower and Milo Ventimiglia also star in the twisty new series, which premiered on Thursday, June 18 on Netflix. Sam was Coben’s “first pick” to play David, the author reveals.

“Sam Worthington, as an actor, he brings such gravitas,” Coben tells PEOPLE. “He does so much with so little. There [were] times when we were filming where I said, ‘Just cut the lines. Just go in tight on Sam.’ You can feel his pain, you can feel his anguish [in his face].”

“He’s a generous actor. He didn’t want to be the classic action hero —he’s not the classic action hero,” Coben adds. “It was wonderful to work with him, really. He’s very giving as an actor, too.”

The I Will Find You star has “put a lot into this,” Coben adds, noting that he got “so into the character” that the author “started calling him David” on occasion.

Along with Sam, Lower and Ventimiglia, I Will Find You also stars Logan Browning, Erin Richards, Chi McBride and Jonathan Tucker.

I Will Find You is now streaming on Netflix.

Sam Worthington’s Decision to Join the Project

Sam Worthington’s decision to take on the lead role in I Will Find You was influenced by his wife Lara’s recommendation. The Avatar star’s willingness to listen to his wife’s advice about the project shows the important role she plays in his career choices. The couple’s shared interest in Harlan Coben’s work made the decision to join the series an easy one for Worthington.

The actor’s family life has been a significant factor in his approach to selecting projects. His comments about his sons’ reactions to his work reflect his desire to balance his career with his role as a father. The family’s support for his involvement in the series has been important in his commitment to the role.

Harlan Coben’s Praise for Worthington

Harlan Coben’s comments about Sam Worthington highlight the author’s admiration for the actor’s performance. Coben’s decision to choose Worthington as his first pick for the role of David Borroughs shows the trust he placed in the actor’s abilities. The author’s observations about Worthington’s gravitas and ability to convey emotion with minimal dialogue reflect the depth of his performance.

The collaboration between Coben and Worthington has been positive, with the author noting the actor’s generosity and dedication to the role. The decision to call Worthington by his character’s name during filming demonstrates the immersion both men brought to the project. The series represents Coben’s first American production, making Worthington’s involvement particularly significant.

The Family Support System

Lara Worthington’s support for her husband’s career has been evident throughout their marriage. Her encouragement for Sam to take the call from Harlan Coben shows her role as a trusted advisor in his professional decisions. The couple’s shared viewing of the series with their son demonstrates their family’s interest in Sam’s work.

Sam Worthington’s comments about his children’s reactions to his projects reflect his understanding of their perspective. His decision not to pressure his sons to watch his work shows his respect for their individual interests. The family’s approach to balancing career and family life has been important in Worthington’s success.

The Success of I Will Find You

I Will Find You has been well-received by audiences, with the series’ twisty plot and strong performances keeping viewers engaged. The adaptation of Harlan Coben’s novel has brought the author’s storytelling to a new audience. The series’ success demonstrates the appeal of complex mystery dramas in the current television landscape.

The cast’s performances, particularly Worthington’s portrayal of David Borroughs, have been praised by critics and viewers. The collaboration between the actors and the creative team has resulted in a compelling series that honors the source material while bringing new elements to the screen. The show’s success has highlighted the strength of Coben’s storytelling and the talent of the cast.

The Broader Impact on Worthington’s Career

Sam Worthington’s role in I Will Find You represents an important step in his career. The actor’s decision to take on a major television role after years of focusing on film work shows his willingness to explore new opportunities. The positive response to his performance has been encouraging for his future projects.

The series has allowed Worthington to showcase his range as an actor and his ability to carry a complex character-driven story. His collaboration with Harlan Coben and the rest of the cast has been a rewarding experience that has added depth to his body of work. The success of the series has opened new doors for Worthington in television.

Looking Ahead for Sam Worthington

As Sam Worthington continues his career, his involvement in I Will Find You has demonstrated his versatility and commitment to quality storytelling. The positive response to his performance has been encouraging for his future projects. The actor’s family support and his own dedication to his craft will continue to be important factors in his success.

The story of Sam Worthington’s career continues to evolve with new opportunities and challenges. His willingness to take on diverse roles and his commitment to his family show his balanced approach to life and work. As he looks to the future, his talent and dedication will likely lead to more compelling performances and projects.

The success of I Will Find You has highlighted Worthington’s ability to excel in television and his potential for future success in the medium. The series represents an important chapter in his career and has opened new possibilities for his future work. As he continues to take on challenging roles, his journey will be watched with interest by fans and industry observers.