J.K. Simmons' Ray King will not last long inThe Accountant 2. As the sequel to 2016’s surprise hit, the thriller will revisit Ben Affleck’s Christian Wolff as he attempts to uncover the truth behind King’s death.The Accountant 2will starAffleck, Jon Bernthal (Braxton), and Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Marybeth). Director Gavin O’Connor is also returning for the sequel. It is expected to be released in theaters on June 29, 2025.
O’Connor spoke withScreenRant’s Owen Danoff about the upcoming movie. He expressed significant disappointment that Simmons will be leaving the franchise, though he still views it as a necessary evil. To O’Connor, King needed to die to make it “personal for Chris, and for Marybeth”. It was a necessary story beat, no matter how “painful” it was to tell Simmons. Check out his full quote below:
That was a painful conversation with J.K., to let him know that he’s going to get offed in the movie. The reason Bill and I made that [choice], and that was a very specific decision when we were mapping out what the second film was going to be, [was] because it had to be personal for Chris. I wanted it to be personal for Chris, and for Marybeth.
That relationship that Chris has with Ray King grounded the audience in the first movie where they got to explore that. It just felt like it wasagood key in the ignition of the storywhere we lose that person that Christian had a relationship with and that was a mentor to Marybeth, and let that be the wave that we ride for the film.
What Ray King’s Death Means For The Accountant 2
He Was A Stabilizing Force In The Accountant
Ray King was an essential character in the original movie. He was Christian’s connection to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and he used Christian’s information to fight criminals across the country. While Marybeth struggled to accept the idea of taking tips from an active criminal,King stood as the unifying force between both sides. His death will leave Marybeth and Christian to their own devices. Marybeth reluctantly agrees to become Christian’s contact inThe Accountant, butthe long-delayedAccountantsequelwill leave her with few other allies.
Despite starring in the original movie in 2016, Anna Kendrick (Dana Cummings) is not returning for the sequel.
Simmons is a beloved actor, and his performance in the original movie was genuinely memorable. By killing him off so quickly, O’Connor risks losing viewers, but he can alsoensurea visceral reactionall the same. The death was alreadyrevealed inThe Accountant 2’s trailer, so audiences may be interested in watching if only to see Christian get his vengeance. The original movie was controversial, as it portrayed Autism inaccurately, so this could be a way to ensure that viewers are still engaged.
Our Take On Writing Simmons Out Of The Accountant 2
It Was Fairly Inevitable
A major aspect of the hero’s journey has always been the hero losing their mentor. While Christian is the central character, Marybeth has had a heroic arc of her own. She is now forced to permanently take over Ray’s position and to use Christian’s intelligence to help FinCEN. If Ray had been alive in the sequel, then she would never need to grow or change her position. Though it is disappointing to see Simmons leave the franchise, it should make for better character development and a more original story forThe Accountant 2.
The Accountant 2
Cast
The Accountant 2 sees Ben Affleck reprising his role as Christian Wolff. When an old acquaintance is murdered, Wolff enlists his estranged brother, Brax, to unravel a deadly conspiracy. Alongside Marybeth Medina, they confront a relentless network of killers determined to maintain their secrets.
