❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Himesh Patel talks "wildest dreams" journey from EastEnders to The Odyssey
Himesh Patel plays Eurylochus, Odysseus's second in command, in the new Christopher Nolan fantasy action film.
Universal Pictures
- Michael Hodges
Published: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 at 8:00 am
Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 issues for £10
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine.
Ad
How did you find out you had been chosen for this role?
I had picked my kids up from school and was outside my house. I had just got out the car, was letting them into the house, and then they called. I was like, “You’re effing kidding me?” I was shaking. And my partner said, “Are you OK?” “Well, something has happened. It’s not bad. It’s the opposite of bad. It’s pretty good.”
Eurylochus has a very tough time, he must face monsters, storms, and battles with the terrifying Laestrygonians...
It was the most physically demanding role that I’ve played so far. It was a real kick up the backside, reminding me that I need to take better care of myself physically if I’m going to be ready for this sort of thing.
What was life on Odysseus’s ship like?
I certainly felt that camaraderie on the boat, we’ve bonded for life in that way. You never felt like it was ever going to be dangerous. There’s always an element of peril, but there are boundaries to what we’re doing. You have to know that as an actor, whatever job it is.
Is there one moment that will stay with you?
We were on the boat in Scotland, and it was quite rough sea that day, rough enough for half of the actors to be throwing up over one side of the boat. I looked over the other side of the boat and dolphins started appearing in the water. It was just magical.
Watch trailer
Did you read the Odyssey as a boy?
I don’t think the Odyssey was on the curriculum when I was at school but growing up in the era, when the film Troy came out, I was very aware of that story around that time. There was a play of Agamemnon that I studied when I did A-level drama, and a brief glimpse of that story appears in this movie. I was obviously aware of the Cyclops, the Laestrygonians and Scylla, all these things, but I never sat and read the text.
What a journey you’ve been on from EastEnders to The Odyssey...
Everything I’ve done in the last seven to eight years has been beyond my wildest dreams, but this movie was such a singular experience. There is only one guy who makes movies like this. I don’t know where my career is going but even if I have the privilege of working with Chris [Nolan] again, it won’t be this story, it won’t be this sort of thing.
Read more:
- The Odyssey director Christopher Nolan talks apocalyptic worries amid AI and climate change
- The Odyssey's Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway reveal how their real-life marriages impacted their on-screen romance
The Odyssey will be released in UK cinemas on Friday 17 July.
Book your £10 seat for the first ever Radio Times Film Night and watch Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey with fellow film fans at Odeon Luxe Islington on Thursday 23 July 2026.
The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here.
Ad
Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Michael Hodges
Ad
Ad
Subscribe for £1 per week
Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.
Loading...
Ad
Loading...