Matt Damon has shared a vivid recollection of the challenging final days of filming "The Odyssey," directed by Christopher Nolan, describing a scene where water was poured over his face as akin to "waterboarding."
Damon, who portrays the protagonist Odysseus in the highly anticipated film, spoke to People about the intense shooting process. "We were shooting some close up raft stuff that was too dangerous to do on the open water," he said. "So we’d shot some wides, but we did some stuff on the tank that involved Chris pouring water over my face while I was lying there and I was like, 'This is perfect. We’re ending this with waterboarding.'"
The actor also recounted confronting personal phobias during the production, including claustrophobia, which he hopes to have overcome. "Claustrophobia was one, but I hope I’m on the other side of that one now," Damon stated.
The film, which features a star-studded cast including Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson, is set for a worldwide release on Friday. Damon plays the epic hero on his perilous journey back to Ithaca, encountering mythological creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Calypso.
Beyond the demanding film shoot, Damon also reflected on a "new phase of life" as his daughters mature. He and his wife, Luciana Barroso-Damon, recently attended a New York City premiere of "The Odyssey" with their daughter Isabella, 20.
Damon, who has four daughters with Barroso-Damon, spoke about being mindful of the time as two of his older children are becoming independent. "Having two older kids who are out of the nest and knowing how fast these final years go, we're trying to be mindful of holding onto what we can," he told People.
His eldest daughter, Alexia, from a previous marriage, has begun a career in cinematography, reportedly with 12 films to her credit before age 30. Isabella is currently studying at New York University, leaving Damon and Barroso-Damon with their two younger daughters, Gia, 17, and Stella, 15, at home.