Himesh Patel Is on the 2026 TIME100 Next - Time Magazine
Perhaps it was our Englishness, but when I first met Himesh for Tenet we connected in some effortless, simple manner. He looks at things in a no-nonsense, analytical way—vital for grounding his character even in the most extraordinary situations. I put him in the cockpit of a 747 smashing into a building, in a speedboat on the Amalfi Coast, and he was able to make those things feel real. Relatable.
When I was casting Eurylochus for The Odyssey, I knew I needed someone who shared Matt Damon’s everyman quality, who felt as down-to-earth and accessible as our Odysseus. Eurylochus is in many ways Odysseus’ conscience. He represents the bond that’s being tested between Odysseus and his men. But the character can’t just be a symbol, and Himesh found a human being there. I think he’s only just begun showing us what he can do. He plays a supporting character marvelously, but he’s an incredible lead. We’re going to see more of that.
Nolan is an Oscar-winning filmmaker.
