It sounds like Bernthal and Stone ultimately never got to the point at which they were indeed ready to trade blows behind the scenes, but Bernthal later went on to explain that this was actually a trick by Oliver Stone, and the intention was to get a more intense performance out of the actor.
We’re not entirely sure if that is Nicholas Cage’s way of admonishing or praising Jon Bernthal’s actions towards Oliver Stone.
Bernthal admitted that he was “young and stupid” during the incident, and he eventually would go on to become friends with the director in the long run.
Given the National Treasure star’s reputation for delightfully-bizarre antics, neither option would surprise us.