Ben Affleck Takes on Challenging Stunts in The Accountant 2
During the recent SXSW premiere of The Accountant 2, Ben Affleck showcased his impressive skills, performing a range of intense stunts throughout the film’s action-packed runtime. However, he humorously revealed that the most challenging aspect of filming was mastering the art of choreography.
“The challenge for me, of course, was the months and months spent training to line dance,” Affleck quipped on the stage of Austin’s Paramount Theater, much to the audience’s delight. This playful reference highlights a crucial scene where his character, Christian Wolff, seamlessly engages in line dancing at a dive bar—a skill he picks up due to his acute savant syndrome, as established in the first film. Affleck jested, “Tom Cruise has nothing on me—in terms of line dancing!”
A Gripping Narrative Unfolds
The Accountant 2 continues the story of Christian Wolff, an autistic accountant turned fixer for crime bosses. The film’s plot thickens when Wolff is drawn into solving the murder of an old acquaintance, asking his brother, the hired killer played by Jon Bernthal, for assistance. Their journey reveals a treacherous conspiracy lurking beneath the surface.
Joining Affleck and Bernthal in the cast are talents such as Daniel Pineda and Cynthia Addai-Robinson, alongside several young neurodivergent performers sourced from local Los Angeles programs. Producer Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized the unique casting process, stating, “These actors brought their own individual narratives which enriched their characters, providing insights we couldn’t have created on our own. They aren’t simply playing themselves but infusing parts of their personality into their roles.”
Behind the Scenes with Gavin O’Connor
Director Gavin O’Connor returns to helm this sequel, following the success of the 2016 original film, which grossed an impressive $155 million worldwide. The Accountant 2 faced years of developmental hurdles before securing a fast track at Amazon. O’Connor noted, “If you slow down, you go down, so we just keep pressing forward,” crediting Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity as a key factor in bringing the project to life. Damon was also present at the premiere, sitting alongside Affleck in the audience.
Reflecting on his desire to revisit Wolff, Affleck shared, “The central appeal for me was to deepen my collaboration with Jon.” Bernthal echoed this enthusiasm, stating, “Ben is a hero of mine, and I admire him so much.”
A modest Affleck responded to Bernthal’s praise with a chuckle: “You don’t have to say that.” But Bernthal continued unabashedly: “He embodies both a wonderful spirit and artistic talent. Typically, making movies feels like banging my head against a wall, but this experience was remarkably smooth.”
Audience Reaction and Lighthearted Moments
The high-octane thriller seemed to resonate well with the Austin audience, and O’Connor urged attendees not to spoil any surprises for future viewers, as the film gears up for its theatrical release on April 25. Affleck humorously added, “Please don’t discuss my nude scene.” O’Connor jumped in, jokingly stating, “Yes, there was a nude scene, but we cut it out. He practiced line dancing in front of a mirror, naked.” Affleck humorously concluded, “It was a choice—and I liked it.”
With its blend of action, character depth, and unique narrative, The Accountant 2 promises to be a thrilling follow-up that captivates both fans of the first film and new audiences alike.