The imposing physique and heroic battle scenes of Matt Damon in Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" owe a significant debt to Devyn Dalton, a 4-foot-5 stuntwoman who served as his double. Dalton, a Canadian-born performer, has been a key player in the film, contributing to the visual illusion of Damon's character, Odysseus, battling formidable foes.
Dalton, 34, described the experience as a culmination of years of training and building trust within the stunt industry. She noted that the perception of Damon's musculature in the film is a product of "movie magic," specifically highlighting the use of forced perspective in scenes where giants appear to loom over him. In reality, these giants were often towering over Dalton herself, creating the visual effect.
"They often say stuntman, but what about stuntwomen? It’s been a really long journey paving the way," Dalton told The Post, emphasizing the ongoing effort to bring more recognition to stuntwomen. Matt Damon himself acknowledged Dalton's contributions, reportedly telling her on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast that he "hugged her, and thanked her for all the work she had put in." He also pointed out how many shots created the illusion of giants towering over him, when in fact, they were looming over Dalton.
Dalton's career in stunts began shortly after high school when she landed a role in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" in 2011. This experience initiated her into motion capture technology, requiring three weeks of intensive "ape training" for the physically demanding part, which involved acting on all fours. She continued to be involved in the franchise, appearing in "War for the Planet of the Apes" and "The Last of Us."
Her extensive resume includes over 60 acting credits. Dalton maintains a rigorous daily training regimen that includes yoga, weight training, boxing, and weapon work. This constant preparation is essential, as she often receives work with only a week's notice, requiring her to be perpetually "stuntwoman-ready."
Dalton has spoken about the significant role that body image plays as a barrier in her industry. She expressed empowerment in playing strong, dynamic characters as a woman and hopes to continue paving the way for others. "There’s been a lot of women who have opened the doors, but it’s an ongoing battle always," she stated.