Ben Affleck’s profile has never been higher, with strong reviews for his performance in GONE GIRL, not to mention the small matter of squeezing into a latex suit for BATMAN V SUPERMAN. But where does his career go next? Well, he is reportedly keen on signing up for that most treacherous of genres, the high concept assassin thriller. THE ACCOUNTANT, written by Bill Dubuque and under the Warner Bros banner, focuses on a number cruncher who rubs people out between balancing the books. Currently in talks, the actor-turned-director is apparently seeking something to counterbalance his forthcoming helmer duties on Prohibition-based crime drama LIVE BY NIGHT starring Zoe Saldana.
He may also be looking to switch his brain off a bit as the signs for this one do not look promising. THE ACCOUNTANT has had everyone from Will Smith to Mel Gibson involved over the years and the central conceit of an office worker-cum-contract killer…? Meh. The expressions “development limbo” and “turnaround” have rarely led to a decent outcome and though it’s unfair to prejudge I can’t see this one flying. Hopefully Dubuque’s screenplay is a corker and won’t join the underwhelming ranks of Richard Gere’s THE JACKAL, Bridget Fonda’s POINT OF NO RETURN and of course Sylvester Stallone’s ASSASSINS. Gavin O’Connor (WARRIOR) is in the frame to direct.
Source: Variety
