Jon Bernthal's Grit During The Odyssey Filming

Jon Bernthal's filming experience for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey was marked by extreme conditions, particularly during the Trojan Horse scene. Despite facing freezing water, Bernthal's determination inspired his co-stars, including Matt Damon, who noted the impact of Bernthal's resilience on the entire cast. The film reinterprets Homer's classic tale, focusing on Odysseus' journey home and the challenges faced by his wife, Penelope. With a star-studded cast, including Anne Hathaway and Tom Holland, The Odyssey promises to be a captivating cinematic experience. Read on to learn more about the film and its remarkable cast.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 11:51 IST

Jon Bernthal's Challenging Experience on Set

Jon Bernthal recently shared insights about a particularly challenging moment while filming Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. During the crucial Trojan Horse scene shot in Morocco, he found himself submerged in unexpectedly cold water after the heating system malfunctioned. Despite Nolan's offer to halt the shoot and rescue him, Bernthal opted to continue, demonstrating remarkable determination. His commitment made a significant impact on the cast, with Matt Damon noting that this incident motivated everyone to exceed their limits.

Bernthal's Determination Inspires Cast

Jon Bernthal's Resilience

Reflecting on the filming of The Odyssey, Bernthal recounted how he stood neck-deep in icy water during the Trojan Horse sequence. When Nolan suggested stopping, Bernthal firmly replied, "You ain't breaking me, Chris. There's nothing you can do to break me." This display of resilience resonated with co-star Matt Damon, who remarked, "That was the first example of somebody pushing past what they thought they could do. Nobody in that horse was ever going to complain for the next five months about anything because of what we saw. It set the tone for the rest of us and how we needed to show up for each other and for the movie." Nolan also commended Bernthal's dedication, highlighting his thorough approach to character development.

Overview of The Odyssey

About The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey reimagines Homer's classic tale as a character-driven epic that explores the emotional consequences of war. The narrative follows Odysseus' challenging journey back home, interweaving the fall of Troy, his encounters with mythical beings, and the political turmoil in Ithaca, where Penelope strives to safeguard her kingdom from ambitious suitors.

Cast of The Odyssey

Who Plays What in The Odyssey

The film boasts a stellar cast, with Matt Damon portraying the battle-hardened King Odysseus. Anne Hathaway plays his steadfast wife, Penelope, who defends Ithaca during his absence. Tom Holland takes on the role of their son, Telemachus, while Robert Pattinson plays the ambitious suitor Antinous. Zendaya appears as Athena, the goddess who guides Odysseus, and Charlize Theron portrays the sea nymph Calypso, who holds him captive. Lupita Nyong'o plays dual roles as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, two significant figures in Greek mythology, while Jon Bernthal plays Menelaus. Catch The Odyssey at a theatre near you!