Matt Damon, 55, has described the significant lifestyle overhaul required to portray Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, "The Odyssey." The actor revealed in a recent interview on the podcast "Good Hang with Amy Poehler" that he adopted a strict diet and exercise plan to achieve the "strong and lean" physique Nolan envisioned for the character. This involved slimming down from his usual weight of 185-200 pounds to 167 pounds.
"It's way different to be getting jacked in your 50s. It's really hard. It's just a complete, complete lifestyle change," Damon stated. He emphasized that the only way to achieve the desired results was through intense effort and reduced food intake, including eliminating gluten. "Eat a little less, no gluten, which changed my life," he added.
Damon has continued to adhere to a gluten-free diet, noting its profound positive impact on his well-being. "I didn't realize the level to which it was affecting me and affecting my life. It's completely changed my life these last couple of years of not eating it," he explained, acknowledging that it means foregoing favorite foods like bread, beer, pasta, and pizza. "How I feel is just so much better."
His fitness regimen, developed with trainer Jason Walsh, focused on bodyweight movements and weighted pull-ups. "The Odyssey," set for release in U.S. and U.K. cinemas on July 17, features Damon as the Greek King of Ithaca, whose story chronicles his long journey home after the Trojan War. The film's script, Damon noted, is a significant aspect of its appeal, with him praising Nolan as an "underrated writer" whose directorial prowess often overshadows his writing. "Thematically, this touches on so much," Damon said.
Damon also spoke about the demanding nature of filming, describing the physical discomfort experienced by the entire cast and crew. "The experience of doing this movie, though, it was the hardest movie that I've ever done by far, was so joyful," he remarked.
The film has garnered considerable praise following its global premiere in London, with critics calling Nolan's 13th feature "flawless filmmaking" and commending the ensemble cast. The cast includes Tom Holland as Telemachus, Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Lupita Nyong'o in dual roles as Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra, and Bernthal as Menelaus. Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Benny Safdie, Mia Goth, Travis Scott, Elliot Page, and Zendaya also star in the epic.
