Matt Damon has described his role in the upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey as the highlight of his acting career. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan and featuring Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus, is set to debut in cinemas on July 17. Shot across Greece, Morocco, and Italy during early 2025, the epic story follows Odysseus’ arduous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, encountering mythical creatures such as the cyclops Polyphemus and the Sirens.
Matt Damon Reflects on Working with Christopher Nolan
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon alongside longtime friend Ben Affleck, Damon shared his enthusiasm for the production experience. Despite Nolan’s ambitious vision, which involved challenging on-location shoots and elaborate set pieces such as creating a controlled storm, Damon expressed deep admiration for the director’s approach and the scale of the film.
“Fantastic. Yeah, it was absolutely the pinnacle of my entire career. I loved every minute of it. I just loved it.”
— Matt Damon, Actor
Affleck revealed that his children were the only guests permitted on the set. Their visit coincided with the day the crew generated a storm for filming, giving them a firsthand view of the production’s intensity and craftsmanship.
“My kids never wanna come to the set. When I’m working, they’re like, ‘I got school.’ But they were really psyched to come visit this set; my middle child’s really interested in The Odyssey. This is the way that Hollywood made movies when they were great, epic, in-camera David Lean movies, and Chris is a really serious guy and somebody I admire. I know [he] believes the set is a place to work, so I was honestly grateful that he let me come by and visit. My kids really liked it and so it was kinda cool. I was deeply grateful.”
— Ben Affleck, Actor
Preparing Physically for the Role of Odysseus
To embody the legendary King of Ithaca, Damon undertook a significant physical transformation. Speaking on the New Heights podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce, he explained the film’s requirement for a lean but strong physique, which involved a strict diet and intense training. Damon notably discarded gluten from his diet, resulting in a weight drop to 167 pounds, a level he hadn’t reached since high school.
“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.”
— Matt Damon, Actor
A Starring Cast Joins the Mythological Epic
Beyond Damon’s central role as Odysseus, Nolan has assembled an exceptional ensemble for the film. Tom Holland takes on the role of Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, while Anne Hathaway portrays Penelope, his loyal wife. Zendaya appears as Athena, the goddess who aids Odysseus, and Charlize Theron plays the sorceress Circe. The cast also includes Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Himesh Patel as Eurylochus, John Leguizamo as Eumaeus, Mia Goth as Melantho, along with Lupita Nyong’o, James Remar, Elliot Page, Samantha Morton, and Logan Marshall-Green in undisclosed roles.
The Epic Journey Retold
This adaptation brings to life Homer’s ancient tale through the lens of Nolan’s signature cinematic style, promising an immersive experience enhanced by IMAX technology. Audiences will witness Odysseus’ return from war, confronting various supernatural challenges and internal struggles that define his character and legacy. The film stands as one of the most ambitious projects of the year, blending myth with intense human emotion and expansive visual storytelling.
With its July release date approaching, anticipation is building for how this film will reshape classic mythology for modern audiences, emphasizing Matt Damon’s remarkable dedication and passion for his role as Odysseus.
