In a thrilling intersection of cinematic universes, Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal both shine in the highly anticipated The Accountant 2. Beyond their roles in this film, they also boast a fascinating Marvel connection; Affleck famously portrayed Daredevil in the 2003 film, while Bernthal brought the iconic Punisher to life in Daredevil: Born Again. During an engaging conversation on Jake’s Takes, Affleck shared his reflections on the evolution of Daredevil over the years, highlighting how the character has been redefined and revitalized in modern adaptations.
“Well, his Punisher is good,” Affleck expressed, acknowledging Bernthal’s impactful performance. “Daredevil presented an intriguing narrative. This was back in the days before Kevin Feige took the helm at Marvel, imparting a new clarity in tone across projects. He tackled the complex task of balancing a film that features heroes in costumes with extraordinary abilities, determining the right level of seriousness, humor, and audience engagement while ensuring the action sequences were visually compelling. This era coincided with advancements in visual effects that made it possible for these stories to be told convincingly. It also opened doors for talented actors like him to truly excel in their roles.”
Affleck further commented on the new adaptations of Daredevil, saying, “There’s a new Daredevil, I haven’t seen it yet, but I certainly love the character. I wish him the best, but I wouldn’t tangle with his Punisher.” In an alternate reality, fans could have witnessed an epic showdown between Affleck’s Daredevil and Bernthal’s Punisher. Instead, audiences were left with the less favorable Elektra spinoff.
Turning our attention to The Accountant 2, this long-awaited sequel has garnered surprisingly positive reactions, with our own Chris Bumbray praising the film after his viewing at SXSW. “The Accountant 2 effectively combines thrilling action with a buddy comedy dynamic, showcasing Affleck and Bernthal at the peak of their performances,” Bumbray articulated. “I appreciate the resurgence of sleek, 87North-style action films that are popular now, but The Accountant 2 resonates with an old-school charm that I’ve been craving. The added focus on character development enhances the overall experience. I eagerly await The Accountant 3!” You can read the full review for more insights.
As for the future of the franchise, discussions about The Accountant 3 are already in the pipeline. Director O’Connor has been contemplating ideas for another sequel. “I have a lot of thoughts about what to do with the third installment,” O’Connor revealed. “I’ve been thinking about it for a lot of years.”
The official synopsis for The Accountant 2 sets the stage for an intense narrative: “When her former boss is brutally murdered by unknown assassins, Treasury Agent Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) is compelled to seek the help of Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) to unravel the mystery behind the killing. Together with his estranged yet formidable brother Brax (Jon Bernthal), Chris utilizes his exceptional intellect and unconventional methods to solve this treacherous puzzle. As they close in on the truth, they draw the ire of some of the deadliest assassins alive—each determined to halt their investigation.” The Accountant 2 is scheduled for theatrical release on April 25th.
