How has Marybeth evolved since the first film?

Cynthia: At the end of the first movie, there’s this passing of the baton from Raymond King, played by J.K. Simmons, to Marybeth. She steps into an elevated position within the Treasury Department, so we definitely utilize the real passage of time, as it takes place eight years later. Instead of hiding in plain sight as an analyst, now she has to lead. She’s delegating, she has responsibilities, and I’d say at the beginning of The Accountant 2, she has a bit of imposter syndrome. She’s wondering, “Have I really earned this? Or was it handed to me?” That discomfort of being promoted but not fully confident, I think that’s very relatable. Her arc is about earning that position, feeling like she really does have what it takes to hold that higher authority.

What was it like preparing to play her again?

Cynthia: In a poetic way, I’ve grown so much as a person and as an actor. That naturally brought something new to the role. I feel different in my own skin, and I think Marybeth would too. She was content to be a worker bee, someone who didn’t stand out. Now, people are looking to her for answers.

This time, we also see Marybeth in this odd professional thruple, with Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) and his brother Brax (Jon Bernthal). In the first movie, I didn’t get to work with Ben or Jon. So when I read the script and realized I had quite a bit to do with both of them, I was excited. They’re both seasoned actors I respect and admire, and it was a chance to raise my own game.

What was it like working with Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal?

Cynthia: It was a lot of fun. They have very different acting styles, and their characters reflect that. That’s where a lot of the friction comes from, but what audiences might not expect is that this sequel is really funny. We have a lot of funny scenes and moments together.

We’re not playing for laughs, though — the comedy comes from the discomfort. Marybeth would never be in a room with these guys unless she was trying to put them away. So it’s this philosophical clash, rule of law versus by-any-means-necessary. And yet, here she is working with them. But as people, Ben and Jon are serious actors who are also hilarious, and it was awesome just having a front-row seat to watch them do what they do.

Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or favorite moments from the set?

Cynthia: One of my favorite parts was preparing for an action sequence with Daniella Pineda, who plays Anaïs. We started training before filming even started. Once we read the script and saw what was required, we wanted as much time as possible. The stunt department was incredibly generous and we started preparing a few weeks before cameras rolled. You go from doing silly-looking drills in gym clothes to eventually getting it all on film, and it’s serious business.

There’s this transformation, and that’s really satisfying.

Also, jumping rope — I hate jumping rope. [Laughs] But we did it, and eventually, we were training at a Muay Thai gym with real professionals. It was intense. I kept reminding them, “I’m just an actor!” But we were as ready as we could be.

What do you hope fans of the first film take away from the sequel?

Cynthia: I hope we raise the bar, and I believe we do. It has high-octane action, but it’s also really funny and emotional. There’s a core to it about family, relationships, and connection. You see that between Christian and Brax, but also in other ways throughout the movie. I’ve seen the film twice with audiences, and there’s just this electric energy in the theater — people laughing, gasping. It reminds me why I love being a part of films and filmmaking.

We have to ask about The Rings of Power. Season three is currently in production. Is there anything you can tease?

Cynthia: Yes, we are proceeding with season three. I can’t say too much, of course, but I’m very excited. Season two was epic, and I’m personally excited to see where they take the story in the third season. I'm sure it's going to be full of surprises for myself included.

What drew you to your character Míriel?

Cynthia: Funnily enough, I originally auditioned for a different role and didn’t get it. A few months later, they came back with Míriel, and it just felt meant to be. I get to collaborate, interpret, and build this character in ways that feel very personal. And working with the costumes is next-level. You’re literally wearing other people’s artistry, and it’s a privilege to be the canvas for all the designer’s hard work.

They’re haute couture-level creations, made to measure, and when we’re all in our full wardrobe on set, it feels like a different world.

At the end of Season 2, Míriel faces massive challenges. How did you connect with her on a deep level to portray that?

Cynthia: You find relatable emotions. Fear, confrontation, resilience. For me, even the underwater scenes touched on real personal fears. But you surprise yourself by facing them, and you come out stronger. That’s what Míriel does too.

Looking ahead, if you could take on a role that’s different from what you’ve done so far, what kind of role or genre would you like to explore?

Cynthia: I feel like I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the kind of characters I want to portray. Moving forward, my goal is to be more involved in the creation of those roles — to produce, to write, and to shape the kinds of stories I want to tell. By doing that, I’ll have the freedom to explore the dream roles that I’ve always had in mind and also challenge perceptions about what I’m capable of playing. I’d love to dive into the horror genre; it’s something I haven’t explored yet, but it’s definitely on my radar. I’m actually working on that right now. And, of course, musicals hold a special place in my heart. That’s where I started, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. So, if anyone out there has a project that fits those genres, I’m all ears.

With The Accountant 2 now playing in theatres and The Rings of Power gearing up for another epic season, Cynthia Addai-Robinson proves she is just getting started.