Jon Bernthal, who plays Menelaus in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “The Odyssey,” says Nolan’s work ethic is “almost inhuman” and credits him as a “quintessential perfect leader.” Bernthal also shared how he took co-stars out for dinner after wrapping his s
Jon Bernthal has a very specific way of describing what it’s like to work with Christopher Nolan—and it isn’t subtle.
The 49-year-old actor, who plays Menelaus, the king of Sparta, in Nolan’s upcoming movie “The Odyssey,” recently opened up in an interview about the director’s drive and the energy he brings to every part of the process. Bernthal didn’t hold back.
“Nolan is a guy who was literally put on earth to do the very thing that he’s doing,” Bernthal told Esquire. “There’s no one working as hard as him. It is almost inhuman, his appetite and hunger to work and to drive forward. He is the quintessential perfect leader. You would follow him anywhere.”
What makes that praise land isn’t just the admiration—it’s what Bernthal says comes out of Nolan’s approach day to day. After he wrapped his scenes for “The Odyssey,” he recalled taking his castmates out for dinner, using the moment to remind them what the experience would mean later.
“I told them. ‘Whatever you think in the day-to-day. just know you are going to look back on this and it will be the defining moments of your life. These relationships. these friendships. what you guys have built together. not because you’re part of this unbelievable movie. not because it’s got to be the biggest movie in the world. but because of the blood. sweat. and tears that you guys laid out with each other. for each other. every single day.’”.
“The Odyssey” is bringing together a star-studded ensemble, including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, and Tom Holland and Zendaya. Bernthal also has history with that Spidey duo—he stars with Tom and Zendaya in “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”
On their dynamic as a married couple, Bernthal shared, “I love him; I love his other half,” and added, “I love them as a couple.”
For fans keeping up through trailers, Bernthal’s comments come as “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” continues to build buzz—with a new trailer featuring Tom and Zendaya. And if you want to see where Bernthal fits into Nolan’s vision, the latest “The Odyssey” trailer is also available.
Jon Bernthal Christopher Nolan The Odyssey Menelaus Esquire Spider-Man: Brand New Day Tom Holland Zendaya Matt Damon Anne Hathaway Charlize Theron Robert Pattinson Lupita Nyong’o
“Almost inhuman”?? Sounds like he’s gonna make them work like 30 hours a day lol.
This is why I don’t get actors complaining. If Nolan is buying dinner and hyping everyone up then fine. But also… Menelaus? Sparta? Is this about that Trojan war thing?
I swear I saw a clip where Bernthal was talking about “The Odyssey” but the headline said something else so now I’m confused. Is this Nolan making a superhero movie or like ancient history? Because I saw Spider-Man: Brand New Day mentioned too and my brain is done.
Every time I hear “quintessential perfect leader” I’m like sure… until the burnout happens. Also dinner reminders??? Actors already make movies, they don’t need pep talks. This just feels like PR but ok.