The Accountant 2

director Gavin O’Connor confirms that one character from the original Accountant won’t be returning, and he explains why. Released in 2016, the first film introduces Ben Affleck’s Christian Wolff, a math savant who uncooks the books for criminal organizations, and the character is now set to return in a follow-up adventure. The Accountant 2‘s cast features Jon Bernthal back as Brax, Christian’s brother, and Cynthia Addai-Robinson back as Marybeth Medina, and they’re both set to be reunited with Christian following the murder of Ray King (J. K. Simmons).

One character who hasn’t been featured in any Accountant 2 marketing is Anna Kendrick’s Dana Cummings, and O’Connor now confirms to ScreenRant that she won’t be returning. The director attributes Dana’s absence to the fact that they’re telling an entirely new story this time around. With Dana not returning, O’Connor also teases that Justine, played in the first movie by Alison Wright, will actually take on a larger role in the sequel. Check out his explanation below:

Well, Dana’s not in the movie. That was just the first one. We have a whole new movie. We have much more of Justine in the second film than we did in the first. Also, Harbor Neuroscience and all the kids at Harbor Neuroscience–we’ve created that world with these kids who work with Justine, and we cast all kids that are either neurodivergent [or] who are on the spectrum to play the roles. I’ve got to tell you, man, they’re as good as every other actor in our movie. They were so just authentic and honest and no acting. They were amazing, which, when you see the movie, I’m sure you’ll agree. The kids were great.

What O’Connor’s Confirmation Means For The Accountant 2

What Happens To Dana In The Original Movie?

Dana played a prominent role in the first movie, finding her life under threat as she becomes wrapped up in a criminal conspiracy. The Accountant‘s ending sees her making off with an original Jackson Pollock painting, though, seemingly ready to start a new life, and it seems that this will be the last audiences see of her. Dana was presented as a potential romantic interest for Christian, and her lack of inclusion in the sequel could mean that the movie is keeping the focus on the action.

The reveal that Justine plays a larger role in The Accountant 2‘s story could, however, be important. She appears relatively briefly as part of The Accountant‘s cast, and it’s revealed toward the end of the film that, not only was she childhood friends with Christian, but she’s been acting as his partner in his criminal enterprises. She is the daughter of the neuroscientist who founded the Harbor Neuroscience Insтιтute, and it sounds like the sequel will further explore this.

Our Take On Dana’s Absence In The Accountant 2

Why It May Be The Right Call

It’s probably for the best that Dana sits The Accountant 2 out. Her story was wrapped up in a satisfying way in the first film, and bringing her back nine years later could feel forced. If she did return, the sequel would probably also lean more into the potential romantic chemistry between her and Christian, and the franchise doesn’t feel like it needs this kind of subplot.

Kendrick is a charismatic actor who made Dana a compelling character to watch in The Accountant, but the sequel looks to be putting a much greater focus on the brotherly bond between Christian and Brax, which could end up being more interesting. It remains to be seen how The Accountant 2 will fare without Dana, but it certainly looks like the upcoming film is shaking things up in some exciting ways.