LOS ANGELES — Christopher Nolan’s latest film, “The Odyssey,” a high-profile adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, features a striking portrayal of the Trojan Horse siege, highlighted by intense performances and ambitious production efforts. The movie, which stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Jon Bernthal, recreated the legendary episode where Greek warriors concealed themselves inside a massive wooden horse to infiltrate the city of Troy.

Jon Bernthal, who plays Menelaus, the Spartan king and husband of Helen, described the experience of filming the sequence inside the Trojan Horse as both challenging and exhilarating. The wooden structure, depicted as 40 feet tall, held Bernthal and more than a dozen actors confined within its interior. Filming the scenes required the cast to endure cramped, uncomfortable conditions for extended periods, with realistic effects such as cold water seeping inside to heighten the atmosphere.

“You got a real sense of how insane that experience would be,” Bernthal said, reflecting on the physical and emotional intensity of being enclosed in the prop. He praised Nolan’s hands-on directing style, noting the director’s close involvement and tireless work ethic throughout shooting.

“The Odyssey” was filmed over six months across six countries, including Greece and Iceland, underscoring its international scale. Bernthal called working with Nolan a "pinch-yourself moment," recalling how the production remained tightly under wraps during preproduction, even leading to speculation about the project’s nature.

In the narrative, Menelaus serves as a crucial figure in the flashbacks to the Trojan War and as a guide for young Telemachus, played by Holland, who seeks information about his missing father, Odysseus (Damon). Bernthal’s scenes emphasize the brutal siege and its lasting repercussions for Odysseus’ journey.

Large-scale battle sequences, involving over 2,000 extras and elaborate stunt work, were filmed over multiple nights to capture the chaos of the war’s final moments. Bernthal commended the precision and safety measures implemented during the complex fights, which successfully conveyed intensity without endangering cast or crew.

The actor also praised the camaraderie between himself and Damon, with whom he previously worked on “Ford v Ferrari.” Their mutual respect and shared admiration for Nolan’s craftsmanship were evident on set. Bernthal highlighted a moment on a Moroccan beach, when the enormous scale of the film became clear, recalling Damon’s wide-eyed reaction as indicative of the project’s extraordinary scope.

“The size and scope of the film immediately” stood out, Bernthal said, capturing the atmosphere of excitement that permeated the production. With its blend of star power, adventurous staging, and Nolan’s distinctive vision, “The Odyssey” aims to deliver an immersive retelling of one of literature’s most enduring tales.