In a recent sit-down with Variety, Matt Damon opened up about the rigorous physical demands of his leading role in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic, “The Odyssey.” The actor revealed that Nolan’s vision for the protagonist was someone who appeared “emaciated” and weathered, yet still possessed a sense of raw, masculine power.
To achieve this specific look, Damon committed to a grueling diet and exercise regimen well before cameras started rolling. By completely eliminating gluten and adhering to a strict nutritional plan, he managed to shed approximately 15 kilograms. Starting the process at a weight of around 86–91 kg, Damon dropped to 76 kg for the production—a figure he hadn’t seen on the scale since his teenage years.
Beyond the weight loss, the transformation required Damon to grow a substantial beard, a process that took nearly a year to perfect for the role.
The global theatrical debut of “The Odyssey” is currently slated for July 17, 2026.
