Matt Damon Reveals Nolan’s The Odyssey as His Career High Point

Matt Damon has built a remarkable filmography, starring in everything from The Talented Mr. Ripley and Interstellar to the Bourne franchise, Good Will Hunting, Saving Private Ryan, and The Departed. Yet, according to Damon, none of those experiences compare to his latest role in Christopher Nolan ’s sweeping adaptation of The Odyssey. This summer, audiences will watch Damon’s Odysseus embark on his perilous journey back to Ithaca after masterminding the Trojan Horse victory. Along the way, he and his crew encounter mythical dangers, including the monstrous Polyphemus and the enchanting Sirens.

On-Set Adventures and Family Moments

Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with longtime friend and The Rip co-star Ben Affleck, Damon recounted what it was like filming with Nolan last year. The production spanned Greece, Morocco, and Italy, running from February through August 2025. Even by Nolan’s standards, the scale was massive. Damon couldn’t hide his enthusiasm, saying,

"the pinnacle of my entire career. I loved every minute of it. I just loved it."

Affleck and his children were the only visitors allowed on set, witnessing firsthand the crew’s efforts to create a real storm for the dramatic "warriors on the water" sequence. Damon mentioned that his own kids, who usually steer clear of film sets, were eager to visit this time—especially his middle child, who’s fascinated by The Odyssey. He described Nolan as a director who treats the set as a place for serious work and expressed gratitude for the rare family visit.

Transforming Into Odysseus

To embody Homer’s legendary hero, Damon underwent a dramatic physical transformation. He grew out a grizzled beard and shed a significant amount of weight. Speaking on the New Heights podcast, the 55-year-old actor explained that Nolan wanted him to look lean but strong. Damon dropped from his usual 185–200 pounds down to 167—the lightest he’s been since high school—through rigorous training and a strict diet, even cutting out gluten entirely.

A Star-Studded Cast and Epic Release

Nolan assembled an impressive ensemble for the film. Tom Holland plays Telemachus, Anne Hathaway takes on Queen Penelope, Zendaya appears as Athena, and Charlize Theron portrays Circe. The cast also features Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Himesh Patel as Eurylochus, John Leguizamo as Eumaeus, and Mia Goth as Melantho. Additional roles are filled by Lupita Nyong’o, James Remar, Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, and Logan Marshall-Green, though their characters remain under wraps. The Odyssey is set to premiere in theaters on July 17, 2026.