Jon Bernthal talks “Odyssey” fight scenes, counseling approach to Spider-Man, and momentum across TV and film

Jon Bernthal said he is preparing to bring a more disciplined, director-first approach to his latest screen work, drawing on his experience with action-heavy material and his belief that actors should push through discomfort rather than settle for what is easy. Speaking in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bernthal described his working style as “a soldier” mentality, saying he aims to support directors’ decisions and the demands of the production rather than fight the process. He also said his creative goal is to take risks, arguing that performers should be willing to fail in order to grow, adding, “Embarrass the f*** out of yourself.”

The actor’s comments were tied to his role in Odyssey, which The Hollywood Reporter described as a project built around battles. Bernthal framed the work as an opportunity to lean into intensity, emphasizing that he wants to deliver scenes that feel committed and consequential, not merely performative. While details of Odyssey were not expanded in the provided reporting summary, the interview’s focus was on how Bernthal thinks about the physical and dramatic demands of large-scale action storytelling and how he wants to coordinate his performance with what directors expect.

Bernthal also discussed his involvement in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a Marvel project in which he is set to work alongside Tom Holland. In The Hollywood Reporter’s account, the interview treated Bernthal’s character as a counselor figure for Spider-Man, an approach that contrasts with the actor’s reputation for hard-edged, tough-guy roles by framing guidance and mentorship as part of the character’s function. Bernthal connected the counseling angle to the broader theme of pushing beyond surface-level performance, suggesting the character’s impact depends on sincerity even when the situation calls for aggressive energy.

In addition to film, Bernthal said he is commandeering his career through multiple streams of work. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he is creating a TV show, writing on The Bear, and reuniting with Holland for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The combination of acting, writing, and development responsibilities, as presented in the interview, reflects an effort to control more of the creative pipeline, including story direction and the tone of on-screen characters.

The interview further described Bernthal’s overall emphasis on going bigger in his choices, with his “soldier” description aimed at explaining why he believes he can safely take larger swings. In Bernthal’s framing, the willingness to attempt uncomfortable material is linked to accountability on set, where he views compliance with directors and preparation as what makes larger performances possible.

With Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and continuing involvement with The Bear, Bernthal’s schedule underscores how his career has expanded beyond acting into broader authorship and production roles. The Hollywood Reporter’s account did not provide release dates or specific episode counts in the provided material, but it places the projects within an active timeframe in which viewers can expect Bernthal to remain a visible presence across both streaming and cinematic releases.

The new comments also highlight a recurring theme in mainstream entertainment production, where action franchises and prestige series alike rely on performers who can balance physical intensity with interpersonal dynamics. As Bernthal continues to move between genres, the emphasis in the interview on counseling and collaboration with directors suggests he sees his next roles as part of an ongoing effort to connect toughness to character purpose, not just spectacle.

The Hollywood Reporter published the interview on July 16, 2026. Any updates to casting, production timelines, or release scheduling for Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day would typically come from the studios or rights holders after the projects move deeper into post-production and marketing milestones. Until then, Bernthal’s statements provide a window into how he is approaching craft across multiple concurrent commitments.