Ben Affleck’s action thriller “The Accountant” has become Netflix’s most watched movie in the United States only a day after the film landed on the platform. Directed by Gavin O’Connor, the film, released in 2016, was a box office success, grossing over $150 million worldwide against a budget of $44 million.
The movie follows Christian Wolff (Affleck), a neurodivergent highly skilled accountant who operates under the guise of a small-town CPA office. However, behind his seemingly mundane profession lies a secret life as a freelance accountant for various criminal enterprises, cooking their books and laundering money.
As Wolff works on a seemingly routine audit for a legitimate robotics company, he uncovers a massive discrepancy in their finances. His investigation attracts the attention of the company’s CFO, Dana Cummings (played by Anna Kendrick). Meanwhile, a Treasury Department agent named Ray King (played by J.K. Simmons) is hot on Wolff’s trail, determined to uncover his true identity and put an end to his illicit activities.
Ben Affleck will return for the sequel
While “The Accountant” received mixed reviews at the time of its release, a sequel is already in production. Affleck and the rest of the original cast are returning, as well as Gavin O’Connor in the direction. Bill Dubuque, who wrote the original script, is also returning as screenwriter.
The movie is being produced by MGM Amazon Studios, acquiring the sequel’s rights from Warner Bros. Meanwhile, Affleck is also serving as a producer with Matt Damon under their Artists Equity banner alongside the original film’s producers.
“The Accountant” is not just a typical action-thriller; it also explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of living with a neurodevelopmental disorder. While critics were divided about the film, Affleck’s performance was praised.
However, the story won’t end with a second film, as a third movie is also being written. Apart from Affleck, Kendrick and Simmons, Jon Bernthal has also joined the cast for the sequel, this time having a more relevant storyline.