The cast and crew of The Accountant 2 recently gathered for a virtual press conference, providing fans with an inside look at the making of the highly anticipated sequel to 2016’s The Accountant. Ben Affleck, who reprises his role as the enigmatic and highly skilled accountant with a dark past, was joined by co-stars Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, and Daniela Pineda, as well as director Gavin O’Connor. The conversation delved into the challenges and creative decisions that shaped the film, revealing both the action-packed nature of the sequel and the unexpected humor that permeates the story.
Ben Affleck (Christian Wolff), Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Marybeth Medina), Director Gavin O’Connor, and Jon Bernthal (Brax) in ACCOUNTANT 2 Photo Credit: Warrick Page/Prime © Amazon Content Services LLC
Why Return for a Sequel?
Ben Affleck, known for rarely revisiting roles, shared why The Accountant 2 was an exception. “After the first one, it had a longer life than I expected. People continued to mention the movie, and I realized that there was a lot of love for the character,” he explained. Affleck noted the rise of streaming services, which allowed audiences to discover The Accountant years after its release, leading to the demand for more. He and director Gavin O’Connor were both drawn to the idea of expanding the character’s journey and exploring new dimensions of the story.
O’Connor, too, emphasized the importance of not simply rehashing the original, but taking the story in fresh directions. “We wanted to recycle the same elements, but we also wanted to bring the character on a new journey,” he explained, adding that the film’s success would ultimately depend on its entertainment value. “We wanted to make a movie that was fun, that would get people to the theater, and make them leave saying, ‘That was a great time.’”
The Humor Behind the Action
While the first Accountant film was known for its intense action and suspense, the sequel takes a slightly different approach by infusing more humor into the mix, largely due to the dynamic between Affleck’s character and Bernthal’s. When asked about the comedic elements of the film, Bernthal revealed that much of the humor came organically. “It wasn’t about being funny. It was about letting the characters be true to themselves,” he said. “Once you put these two characters together, they each have specific desires, and if those desires aren’t met, you get some hilarious moments.”
Brax (Jon Bernthal) and Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) in ACCOUNTANT 2 Photo Credit: Warrick Page/Prime © Amazon Content Services LLC
Director O’Connor echoed Bernthal’s sentiments, explaining that the humor stemmed from the characters’ natural reactions to one another. “They weren’t trying to be funny. They were so ingrained in their characters, and when their needs weren’t being met, it created this fertile ground for comedic moments,” O’Connor noted. The bond between Affleck and Bernthal’s characters brings out both tender and humorous moments that will surprise viewers.
Strong Female Presence
In The Accountant 2, the female characters play a much more prominent and action-heavy role, with Cynthia Addai-Robinson’s character, Marybeth, becoming a central figure in the story. Addai-Robinson reflected on the evolution of her character from the first film, noting that Marybeth is now more confident and experienced. “I feel like I’ve grown as an actor and so has my character,” she said. Her interactions with Bernthal and Affleck’s characters bring a grounded and relatable perspective to the chaos unfolding around her.
Anais (Daniella Pineda) and Ray King (J.K. Simmons) in ACCOUNTANT 2 Photo Credit: Warrick Page/Prime © Amazon Content Services LLC
For Daniela Pineda, her role as a fierce and formidable force in the film required a higher level of physicality than she had ever done before. “This was next-level physicality for me,” Pineda shared, adding that the character’s complexity made the role even more appealing. “She’s not just a stone-cold killer. There’s more to her, more layers,” she said, hinting at her character’s unexpected depth. Both Pineda and Addai-Robinson bring a refreshing dynamic to the action genre, where female characters are increasingly given more agency and power.
Action With Emotional Depth
One of the film’s standout qualities is how the action scenes are not just about spectacle, but are deeply tied to the characters’ emotional arcs. Both Affleck and Bernthal’s characters undergo significant personal growth, which is reflected in the physical confrontations they face. Affleck praised director O’Connor for his approach, which focused on creating action sequences that were rooted in character-driven motivations. “It’s not just about cool shots. It’s about what the characters want, why they’re doing what they’re doing, and making sure it’s grounded in something real,” he explained.
Jon Bernthal, who brings a surprising emotional depth to his character, Brax, added that the action sequences were more than just physical confrontations. “Violence can be a way of showing love,” he said. The emotional stakes, especially between the two brothers, add a layer of complexity to the fight scenes, making them more impactful.
Surprising Moments and Line Dancing
Perhaps one of the most unexpected moments in The Accountant 2 is a scene where Affleck’s character engages in line dancing. Affleck joked about the surprising addition, noting that it wasn’t something America had been asking for, but it was a fun and vulnerable moment for his character. “He’s trying to connect with someone, but he doesn’t really know how. Line dancing becomes his way of putting himself out there,” he explained. The scene highlights a lighter, more human side to his otherwise stoic character.
Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) in ACCOUNTANT 2 Photo Credit: Warrick Page/Prime © Amazon Content Services LLC
Conclusion
The Accountant 2 promises to be a thrilling, action-packed sequel that goes beyond the expected. The film’s blend of humor, emotional depth, and gripping action will have audiences on the edge of their seats. With standout performances from the entire cast, especially Bernthal, Affleck, Addai-Robinson, and Pineda, The Accountant 2 is set to make a lasting impact when it hits theaters on April 25th. Whether you’re in it for the action, the humor, or the compelling characters, this sequel is poised to deliver something for everyone.
The Accountant 2 comes to theaters April 25th, Watch the full press conference
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