On the heels of generating flurries of critical praise for his work as a demanding, terrifying music teacher in Whiplash, J.K. Simmons is in negotiations for a role in The Accountant.

Ben Affleck is starring in the film, which will be directed by Warrior helmer Gavin O’Connor.

Bill Dubuque wrote the 2011 Black List script, which centers on an accountant who moonlights as an assassin.

The Accountant has been shuffling around in development for several years. After a brief period at Sony, the project was put back in turnaround, where Warner Bros. picked it up. Lynette Howell and Mark Williams are producing, and Drew Crevello and Jon Gonda will oversee the project for Warner Bros.

Anna Kendrick is also circling a role, but sources say that deal still has quite a ways to go and may not stick.

Simmons most recently starred in the Sundance winner Whiplash opposite Miles Teller. The film, now in theaters, has been well received critically and is garnering awards buzz. His other recent work includes Men, Women & Children and Labor Day. He’s wrapped work on the upcoming Terminator: Genisys, starring Jason Clarke and Emilia Clarke. He’s repped by The Gersh Agency.