Matt Damon’s Intense Physical Journey for Nolan’s The Odyssey

Matt Damon ’s latest project with acclaimed director Christopher Nolan demanded a level of dedication that pushed the actor to new extremes. Taking on the legendary role of Odysseus, Damon transformed himself both physically and mentally to embody the iconic Greek hero. The film, The Odyssey, follows the bearded king’s perilous voyage home after the Trojan War, facing mythical monsters and treacherous seas along the way. For Damon, this meant presenting a version of himself that audiences have never seen before.

During a candid conversation with Travis and Jason Kelce on the New Heights podcast, Damon, now 55, opened up about the rigorous process he underwent to prepare for the role.

“I had a beard like yours for like a year. I was in really good shape. I lost a lot of weight. [Nolan] wanted me lean but strong. Just because of this other thing that I did with my doctor, I stopped eating gluten. I used to walk around at between 185 and 200 [pounds], and I did that whole movie at 167. And I haven't been that light since high school. So it was a lot of training and a really strict diet.”

The commitment to the role was evident in every aspect of his preparation, from his strict diet to the intense training regimen that helped him achieve the desired look.

Epic Filming Across the Globe

Between February and August of last year, Nolan and his crew traveled to some of the world’s most stunning and challenging locations to bring Odysseus’s journey to life. The production spanned Morocco, Iceland, Scotland, Greece, Italy, and Malta, each offering unique backdrops for the film’s sweeping narrative. Damon recalled the awe he felt arriving at each new set:

“We would get there and I'd just start laughing. I'd be like, 'Nobody has any business shooting here! Of course he wants to shoot here. That tracks.' He has such a great crew. His crew is so badass. And everybody just maxed out on that movie, and we made all of our days. We actually finished ahead of schedule. It was an awesome experience.”

The dedication of the cast and crew paid off, with the film wrapping ahead of schedule despite the demanding shoot.

On-Set Challenges and Star-Studded Cast

The Odyssey’s ensemble cast is as impressive as its locations. Alongside Damon, the film features Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Charlize Theron as Circe, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, Himesh Patel as Eurylochus, Mia Goth as Melantho, Zendaya as Athena, and John Leguizamo as Eumaeus. Additional roles are filled by James Remar, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, and Logan Marshall-Green.

Not all challenges on set were related to acting or physical transformation. Benny Safdie, who plays Agamemnon, shared a memorable mishap from the Morocco shoot.

“We were in Morocco and I wanted to see the place, and so on my day off I asked this guy, I was like, 'Hey, can you take me around to some of the things?' and I ate the food, I drank the things, and then I remember talking to Chris and being like, 'The water, what's that like here?' and he's like, 'You don't drink it', and I'm like [sighs]. In my head I'm like, I saw the moment and I'm like, oh that's gonna be a thing. Then I remember just going to the doctor and them putting this stethoscope on my stomach and then just went, 'Wow! Something's going on in there!'”

The story highlights the unpredictable nature of filming on location and the camaraderie among the cast and crew.

Nolan’s Vision Comes to Life

Christopher Nolan, who both wrote and directed The Odyssey, is known for his ambitious storytelling and attention to detail. The film is set to premiere on July 17, 2026, and promises to deliver a fresh take on Homer’s timeless epic, brought to life by a dedicated team and a cast willing to go the extra mile for authenticity.