From Bloodsport 2 and The Matrix Reloaded to John Wick, Nobody and Ballerina, Daniel Bernhardt has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most recognisable action performers. Now, he’s back alongside John Cena and Jessica Biel in Apple TV’s Matchbox The Movie, an action-packed adventure inspired by the iconic toy cars.
Returning to the Movieland Spotlight, Bernhardt joined us to discuss working with director Sam Hargrave, training John Cena, performing practical stunts and revisiting his martial arts roots.
Working with John Cena
Bernhardt revealed that his involvement began with a personal invitation from director Sam Hargrave, who offered him the role of Falko, one of the film’s main antagonists.
“Sam Hargrave was the director on the movie, and he called me up and said, ‘Hey Daniel, I’ve got this film called Matchbox. John Cena’s starring, Jessica Biel is the lead actress.’ And I was like, ‘Oh my God, this sounds incredible.'”
However, Hargrave had another job in mind. Bernhardt would also spend a month training Cena for the film’s demanding action sequences.
“He’s one of the nicest human beings you can imagine. He’s very polite. He’s very, very professional. He shows up half an hour before his call, so I had to show up 45 minutes before because I wanted to be there before him.”
Bernhardt explained that Cena’s wrestling experience gave him a strong foundation, but his ability to memorise fight choreography was particularly impressive.
“They would show him the fight twice and he’d be like, ‘Okay, I got it.’ And he would know the fight.”
He described Cena as the perfect student, praising his dedication and willingness to keep training even after their sessions had finished.
Real stunts and flying cars
Unlike many of Bernhardt’s previous productions, Matchbox focuses heavily on vehicle action, featuring spectacular practical stunts and high-speed chases.
“Matchbox was heavy, heavy on car action, which in the past I haven’t really done. So I was just flabbergasted, blown away, so impressed.”
According to Bernhardt, the production launched a full-sized semi-trailer from a ramp and achieved a record-breaking vehicle stunt involving 14 rolls. The actor also underwent specialised driving training, learning precision turns and controlled spins in a Mustang. Although he performed some of his own driving, the more dangerous sequences were left to professional stunt drivers.
“A stunt driver will hit their mark within half an inch, and mine would maybe be a couple of feet. That’s not good enough.”
A throwback to Bloodsport
One of the film’s most memorable moments for Bernhardt came when Hargrave requested a classic jumping sidekick during his fight against Cena.
“He goes, ‘I want to do a throwback to the ’80s and ’90s movies, and I want to see your beautiful jump kick like you did back in the Bloodsport days.'”
Despite initially questioning whether he could still pull it off, Bernhardt returned to the gym and prepared for the sequence. His daughter later watched the finished film and asked whether wires had been used.
“No, no, sweetie. That was me doing it. I leaped in the air, I did my kick, I hit John Cena right in the chest.”
Bernhardt described the sequence as one of his favourite moments in the film.
John Wick, Ballerina and the perfect action star
Our conversation also revisited Bernhardt’s extensive work across the John Wick universe, including his appearance opposite Ana de Armas in Ballerina. He recalled filming the restaurant fight sequence, which involved gunfire, broken glass and brutal hand-to-hand combat. Bernhardt also revealed that he had worked on all four original John Wick productions, although some of his scenes were ultimately cut.
When asked which actors had surprised him most with their fighting abilities, Bernhardt praised Keanu Reeves and Jason Statham, but singled out Bob Odenkirk for his remarkable transformation in Nobody.
“For Nobody, I trained him for maybe a year and a half before we did Nobody, and he became like this action icon. He was a writer and a comedian, and he became an action star.”
Mustangs, Batmobiles and childhood memories
With Matchbox inspired by one of the world’s most recognisable toy car brands, it seemed only appropriate to finish the interview with some lighter automotive questions. Bernhardt revealed that he grew up playing with Matchbox cars, remembering the different vehicles, trucks and collectable models from his childhood. When asked which movie car he would most like to own, his answer came immediately.
“Mustang. Mustang Fastback. Not even a question.”
He explained that he previously owned a Mustang and has a particular affection for the classic 1965 Fastback. Our conversation naturally drifted towards the famous Mustang featured in John Wick, the DeLorean from Back to the Future and the various Batmobiles that have appeared throughout cinema history.
A fun ride worth watching
Bernhardt shared his enthusiasm for the finished film, praising its blend of childhood nostalgia, friendship and spectacular practical action.
“It is such a fun ride. It is such a beautiful movie.”
From flying trucks and explosive vehicle chases to old-school martial arts action, Matchbox brings together everything Bernhardt loves about filmmaking. And judging by his enthusiasm, playing the bad guy is still just as enjoyable as ever.
Matchbox The Movie is now streaming on Apple TV.