The Accountant 2 confirmed, Ben Affleck to return

The crime thriller was a surprise hit upon release in 2016

2016 crime thriller The Accountant is getting a sequel.

Lead actor Ben Affleck is expected to return as well as the film's director Gavin O'Connor (Warrior), according to Deadline.

The film, distributed by Warner Bros, followed Affleck's forensic accountant with high-functioning autism who is forced to utilise his skills as an assassin when a new client puts his life in danger.

While a hit upon release (it had impressive box office takings of $155 million from a $44 million budget), its prospect as a franchise seemed unlikely considering it was never perceived to be a big studio release.

The film co-starred Anna Kendrick, Jon Bernthal and JK Simmons.

Affleck will next be seen reprising his role of Bruce Wayne in DC mashup Justice League while O'Connor is in the process of developing World War 2 thriller Atlantic Wall starring Bradley Cooper.