Ben Affleck is  back in action, reprising his role as Christian Wolff, the brilliant yet autistic accountant with a knack for dangerous situations, in the much-anticipated sequel, 

 The Accountant 2. But this time, he’s claiming to have outdone the legendary Tom Cruise—at least in terms of stunt training.

At the SXSW premiere of the film, Affleck shared that one of his biggest challenges during filming was the months of preparation he spent learning to line dance.

The actor jokingly said, “That was my stunt.

Tom Cruise has nothing on me, just in terms of line dancing,” poking fun at the intense physical feats often associated with action stars like Cruise.

While line dancing may not be as thrilling as scaling buildings or flying fighter jets, Affleck clearly found the process to be a noteworthy achievement.

Returning to the role of Christian Wolff was a special experience for Affleck, who expressed how much he enjoyed revisiting the character. He called the experience “wonderful,” noting how the sequel gave him the opportunity to delve deeper into Wolff’s complex personality. This new chapter in the The Accountant franchise brings even more intensity, character development, and human connection

The film’s creators, Bill Dubuque and Gavin O’Connor, who also worked on the original, were focused on further developing the characters, particularly Wolff and his relationships with those around him. O’Connor, who returns to direct the sequel, and Dubuque wanted to ensure that the character arcs were fully fleshed out, providing depth to the returning ensemble cast, including J.K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal, and Cynthia Addai-Robinson.

O’Connor explained that their aim was to explore “the humanity of these people,” as the story hinges on their efforts to connect and align with each other despite their many differences. He further emphasized that this made the process of crafting the film enjoyable, as the characters were presented with greater emotional depth and growth.

Jon Bernthal, who plays Wolff’s onscreen brother, also expressed his excitement about returning to the role. He explained that while their relationship in the first film had strong foundational moments, the sequel allowed them more time to explore the sibling bond. “Now, it’s just such a joy to do it with Ben,” he added.

Bernthal also lauded Affleck as both an artist and a person, calling him “a hero of mine,” and emphasized how easy it was to work with him on set, which contrasted with the usual challenges of movie-making.

Despite being a seasoned actor, Affleck’s co-stars are not shy about their admiration for his talent and ease on set. The actor’s approach to his role, coupled with his ability to foster positive relationships with his castmates, has made The Accountant 2 not just a continuation of a thrilling story, but a celebration of the collaborative process in filmmaking.

As for Affleck’s comparison to Tom Cruise, it seems he’s ready to claim victory in the stunt department—at least in terms of learning a new skill. While The Accountant 2 may not feature the same high-flying, death-defying stunts associated with action franchises, Affleck’s commitment to his craft and his humor about the process provide a fun and lighthearted perspective on the film’s production.

Ultimately, the sequel promises to dive deeper into the humanity of its characters, particularly Wolff, as they navigate the challenges of their complex lives and relationships. Fans of the first film can look forward to a richer exploration of the characters, with Ben Affleck continuing to bring depth to a role that has become one of his most iconic.