Filming the pivotal Trojan Horse scenes for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey presented significant physical challenges for the cast, according to actors Jon Bernthal and Himesh Patel. While the Trojan Horse is a central element in Nolan's film, its role is significantly expanded from its brief mention in Homer's epic poem.
Bernthal, who portrays Menelaus, described the conditions inside the massive wooden structure as far from comfortable. "When you're in that horse, there's nothing in there to make you feel comfortable. You don't feel necessarily safe or okay," he told Polygon. He elaborated on Nolan's approach, which he terms "No acting acting," where the director immerses actors in authentic, often uncomfortable, environments to elicit genuine reactions. This was particularly evident in scenes where the horse, still partially in the water, was being delivered. "When the horse was still in the water, and the water was coming in, that water was freezing cold. It's no joke. There's no frills. There's zero. Nothing," Bernthal added.
Himesh Patel, who plays Odysseus's second-in-command Eurylochus, did not have to be inside the horse itself but experienced the demanding nature of filming the subsequent action sequences. These scenes were shot at night in Aït Benhaddou, a historic fortified village in Morocco. Patel noted the persistent presence of sand and grime from the intense filming environment. "You'd get back to your hotel room at like 3 a.m. and just sand coming out of every — sand everywhere, and like grease," he recalled.
Despite the hardships, both actors expressed a sense of satisfaction with the experience. Patel acknowledged that Bernthal and the other actors inside the horse endured a more difficult ordeal, even noting Bernthal shivering, which he considered a significant indicator of the cold. However, Bernthal maintained that he would not change a thing about the filming process. "I loved being in that horse. I loved rappelling out of that horse. It really did feel dangerous, and I wouldn't have it any other way," he stated. The Odyssey is currently playing in theaters.