Matt Damon recently shared insights into his dramatic weight loss for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, “The Odyssey,” during an episode of the “New Heights” podcast. The actor revealed he dropped down to 167 pounds, a weight he hasn’t seen since his high school days. This transformation was driven by a combination of rigorous training and dietary adjustments, reflecting Damon’s commitment to embodying the character of Odysseus under Nolan’s direction.
Embarking on a Transformative Journey
In preparation for his role in “The Odyssey,” Matt Damon underwent a remarkable physical transformation. He explained to podcast co-host Jason Kelce, “I had a beard like yours for like a year. I was in really good shape. I lost a lot of weight.” Under Nolan’s guidance, Damon embraced a lifestyle overhaul, dropping gluten and adjusting his diet. “I used to walk around between 185 and 200, and I did that whole movie at 167,” Damon noted. Achieving this weight took diligent training and dietary discipline, reminiscent of the actor’s earlier days.
Contrasting Roles, Diverse Preparations
This isn’t the first time Damon has radically altered his physique for a role. In sharp contrast, for 2009’s “The Informant,” he gained 30 pounds by indulging in a high-calorie diet. “Eating like crazy and drinking dark beer,” he joked, explaining how he embraced fast food and snacks for the role. Damon’s ability to transform his body for different characters highlights the intense dedication he brings to his craft.
A Cinematic Milestone
Beyond physical changes, “The Odyssey” marks a historical moment in cinema. The film is the first Hollywood feature to be entirely shot with IMAX cameras. “IMAX cameras are really loud. It sounds like a blender,” Damon explained. To capture dialogue effectively, a special blimp system was created to reduce camera noise, allowing for intimate scenes to be filmed in this format. “The amount of work that went into figuring out how to do [that]… he did it!” Damon exclaimed, admiring Nolan’s innovative approach to filmmaking.
Global Filming Adventures
Filming “The Odyssey” took Damon and the crew to breathtaking locations worldwide, including Greece, Iceland, and Morocco. Reflecting on the ambitious scope of shooting on location, Damon shared, “We would get there and I’d just start laughing… His crew is so badass.” The enthusiasm and dedication of Nolan’s team, coupled with the stunning natural backdrops, contributed to an unforgettable filmmaking experience that concluded ahead of schedule.
Audiences can immerse themselves in Nolan’s epic vision when “The Odyssey” premieres in theaters on July 17. For more insights into Damon’s journey, watch his full interview on the “New Heights” podcast in the video below.
