Berto Colón on acting opposite Wanda Sykes and building authority in Undercard.

Berto Colón continues to prove that presence matters. Whether stepping into grounded drama or high-stakes thrillers, the actor consistently brings a quiet authority that immediately commands attention. In Undercard, Colón delivers one of those performances as Hector, a figure whose confidence and reputation give the film added tension the moment he enters the frame.
During our conversation, Colón discussed what drew him to the role, why boxing stories create such compelling emotional stakes, and what it was like working opposite Wanda Sykes in her powerful dramatic turn. He also reflected on his time in The Night Agent and shared his admiration for co-star Gabriel Basso. The result was a thoughtful look at an actor who continues to elevate every project he joins.
Finding Authority in Hector’s Presence
Directed by Tamika Miller and written by Anita M. Cal and Tamika Miller, Undercard centers on Cheryl “No Mercy” Stewart, a former boxing champion and recovering alcoholic, trying to rebuild a relationship with the son she left behind. That son, Keith Stewart, possesses natural talent in the ring but lacks discipline and direction. When a devastating loss threatens to derail his future, Cheryl sees an opportunity to guide his career while also attempting to repair their fractured bond.
Colón was drawn to the film’s layered storytelling, particularly the emotional conflict driving the narrative beneath the boxing framework.

“There’s nothing like hand-to-hand combat,” Colón explained. “It’s not a team sport. It’s very individual. It’s about measuring your best against someone else’s best.”
That mindset helped shape how he approached Hector, a man who operates with complete confidence in both his instincts and reputation. Rather than playing the character as flashy, Colón leaned into subtle authority.
“He builds champions,” Colón said. “Somebody like that walks and talks with a certain bravado and aura about them.”
The result is a character who does not need to demand attention. He naturally earns it.
Why Undercard Hits Harder Than a Traditional Sports Movie
While boxing provides the visual intensity audiences expect, Colón emphasized that Undercard ultimately succeeds because of its emotional core. The story explores themes of regret, responsibility, and reconciliation between a mother and son attempting to rediscover trust after years of separation.
Colón noted the powerful contradiction at the heart of the story: a champion fighter who excelled in the ring but struggled in her personal life, now trying to guide her son toward a better path.
“There’s something ironic about a champion fighter trying to rebuild a relationship with her son who is now becoming a boxer himself,” Colón said.
That emotional push and pull elevates the film beyond genre expectations. The fights matter, but the personal stakes matter more.
Acting Opposite Wanda Sykes in a Dramatic Role
One of the most compelling aspects of Undercard is seeing Wanda Sykes explore dramatic territory. Known for her sharp comedic voice, Sykes delivers a layered performance that balances strength, regret, and vulnerability.
Colón believes comedians often bring unique depth to dramatic performances because they already understand how to expose emotional truth.


“When comedians get serious, it’s captivating,” he said. “It’s like peeling back a layer and revealing something vulnerable underneath.”
He described the environment on set as collaborative and open, allowing actors to take risks and discover new emotional beats within scenes.
“There’s this freedom where you just go for it,” Colón explained.
That freedom translated into performances that feel lived-in rather than overly polished, helping the film maintain authenticity even in its most intense moments.
Colón also shared how welcoming Sykes was behind the scenes, recalling how easily she connected with his family while visiting the set. Those personal interactions helped create a comfortable environment that ultimately strengthened the on-screen chemistry.
Tamika Miller’s Vision Shapes the Film’s Emotional Weight
Colón praised Tamika Miller’s direction, describing her as both confident and collaborative. According to Colón, Miller provided clear creative direction while also encouraging actors to bring their own instincts into the performance.
“She gave me opportunities to take the work in different directions and find new angles,” Colón said.
That balance allowed performances to feel organic, reinforcing the film’s grounded tone. Miller’s storytelling approach prioritizes emotional truth over spectacle, giving each character room to breathe within the narrative.
The result is a film that feels more interested in relationships than highlight-reel knockouts.
Reflecting on The Night Agent and Working with Gabriel Basso
In addition to discussing Undercard, Colón reflected on his time in The Night Agent, the globally successful political thriller that quickly became one of Netflix’s biggest breakout hits.
Colón spoke highly of Gabriel Basso and even shared a personal message for his former co-star, demonstrating the strong bond formed during production.

Looking back on the series, Colón noted that the scale of the show was immediately clear once filming began.
“It was the biggest hit for Netflix the year prior, so there were high expectations,” Colón said.
Even though he is not part of Season 3, Colón expressed enthusiasm for the continued success of the series and remains proud of his involvement in a show that connected with audiences worldwide.
A Consistent Screen Presence Across Genres
Whether appearing in emotionally driven dramas or high-stakes political thrillers, Colón consistently delivers performances built on confidence and control. That sense of authority is evident in Hector, a character who influences the world of Undercard without ever feeling exaggerated.
By grounding the performance in realism, Colón helps the film maintain tension even in its quietest moments.
As audiences discover Undercard, Colón’s performance stands out as another reminder that true screen presence does not require volume. Sometimes it simply requires conviction.
With each role, Berto Colón continues to prove he is an actor capable of elevating any scene he enters.
Undercard will be available Digitally on Friday, March 27th.
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