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Ben Affleck Debuts Darker Hair at CinemaCon Promoting ‘The Accountant 2’
Actor and filmmaker Ben Affleck unveiled a striking new look at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday, captivating attendees with noticeably darker hair. The 52-year-old star, known for his salt-and-pepper beard, appeared to have undergone a dye job, as he promoted his forthcoming thriller, The Accountant 2.
Hollywood Trend? Affleck Joins DiCaprio and Clooney in Darkening Hair
Affleck’s transformation places him among a growing number of Hollywood elites opting for darker hair, sparking discussion about a possible ‘midlife crisis’ trend in the entertainment industry. Leonardo DiCaprio recently showcased a deeper brunette shade during awards season and at CinemaCon, promoting his collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another. Even George Clooney, the celebrated silver fox, recently adopted a darker hair color.
Affleck’s Transformation at CinemaCon
Ben Affleck presented a new image featuring freshly dyed hair and beard at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
The actor’s freshly darkened hair marked a significant departure from his usual salt-and-pepper style, as seen in 2019 with former spouse Jennifer Garner in Los Angeles.
The 52-year-old actor and director was at the event to promote his upcoming suspense film, The Accountant 2.
Patchy Beard and DiCaprio’s Darker Shade
Affleck’s newly deep brown hair contrasted with his beard, which appeared fuller than usual, creating an uneven texture. This appearance followed Leonardo DiCaprio’s CinemaCon appearance just the previous day, where he also sported seemingly dyed hair.
DiCaprio was present to promote One Battle After Another amid reports of studio executive disagreements over the film’s substantial $150 million budget. This project is Paul Thomas Anderson’s most expensive to date, despite his reputation for acclaimed dramas and comedies. His most commercially successful work, the Oscar-winning There Will Be Blood, earned $76 million against a $25 million budget in 2007. Magnolia, his second costliest film at $37 million, grossed approximately $48.5 million in 1999. It is speculated that a significant portion of the new film’s budget is allocated to DiCaprio’s salary.
Clooney’s Dark Hair: A Role Requirement
Last month, George Clooney surprised observers in New York City with newly dyed dark brown hair. However, this was not for personal reasons but a professional necessity. Clooney is preparing for his Broadway debut in Good Night, And Good Luck, adapted from his film of the same title. He is taking on the lead role of newsman Edward R. Murrow, who historically had darker hair than Clooney’s signature silver look during the 1950s.
Affleck’s darker hairstyle gave his beard a somewhat uneven or patchy look, despite its apparent thickness.
Leonardo DiCaprio, pictured the day before at CinemaCon with what seemed to be recently dyed hair, promoted One Battle After Another, amid reports of Warner Bros. executives’ budget concerns.
George Clooney’s recently darkened hair, observed last month in New York City, was for his role in his Broadway debut in Good Night, And Good Luck.
Fashion Choices at CinemaCon
Despite the unexpected hair color, Affleck presented a sophisticated appearance in a navy suit with subtle pinstripes, paired with an open-collar light blue shirt, opting to forgo a tie. Jon Bernthal sported a fitted light gray suit and a darker gray cardigan over a tie-less white shirt. Daniella Pineda wore a stylish navy double-breasted suit with padded shoulders and wide-leg pants, complemented by beige open-toe wedges. Cynthia Addai-Robinson exuded elegance in a black off-the-shoulder dress with a full skirt and classic black pumps.
‘The Accountant 2’ Details Revealed
During the presentation, Affleck expressed his enthusiasm for continuing The Accountant narrative, stating it felt ‘great to continue the story,’ as reported. ‘I’m thrilled to be playing this part again with this great cast. In some ways, I feel like this character never left me,’ he added.
Despite the unconventional hair choice, Affleck looked stylish in a navy pinstripe suit and light blue shirt, pictured with Chris Pratt (L).
Affleck promoted The Accountant 2 alongside co-star Jon Bernthal (second to right) and (L–R) director Gavin O’Connor, and co-stars Daniella Pineda and Cynthia Addai-Robinson.
Bernthal chose a close-fitting light gray suit, layered with a contrasting darker gray cardigan over a tie-free white shirt.
Pineda in a chic navy double-breasted suit with padded shoulders, flowing pants and beige wedges and Addai-Robinson in an elegant black off-the-shoulder dress, voluminous skirt and pumps.
Sequel Plot and Original Film Success
Affleck and colleagues presented new footage from The Accountant 2, featuring Christian Wolff, Affleck’s character, reuniting with his brother, played by Bernthal. In the original film, Affleck portrays an autistic forensic accountant for criminal organizations, utilizing his skills to manage finances and detect internal theft. His lethal capabilities are revealed when he defends himself against hitmen hired by a company he audits. The 2016 film received mixed critical reception but achieved commercial success, earning $155 million worldwide against a $44 million budget.
Prior to CinemaCon, Affleck was seen directing Kerry Washington on the set of his forthcoming Netflix thriller, Animals.