Matt Damon Reveals Dramatic Weight Loss for ‘The Odyssey’ Role

In a recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast, actor Matt Damon disclosed his significant weight loss for his role in Christopher Nolan‘s upcoming film, The Odyssey. Damon revealed that he dropped to 167 pounds, a weight he has not seen since high school, in preparation for his portrayal of Odysseus. This transformation marked a dramatic shift from his usual weight of between 185 and 200 pounds.

Damon shared insights into his rigorous training and strict diet, noting that he adopted a gluten-free regimen. He emphasized the importance of being “lean but strong” for the role. “I had a beard like yours for like a year,” he joked with podcast co-host Jason Kelce, reflecting on his dedication to the character.

The actor’s commitment to transforming his physique contrasts sharply with past experiences where he gained weight for roles. For instance, during the production of the 2009 film The Informant, Damon famously packed on 30 pounds by indulging in fast food and beer. “It was absolute heaven,” he recalled.

Innovative Filming Techniques

Damon also discussed the unique challenges associated with filming The Odyssey. Nolan aimed to create the first Hollywood feature entirely captured with IMAX cameras, which presented technical hurdles, particularly regarding dialogue. “IMAX cameras are really loud,” Damon explained, likening their sound to that of a blender. To address this issue, Nolan’s team developed a specialized system that included a “blimp” to significantly reduce camera noise.

Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema previously tested the capabilities of IMAX cameras by filming a child reading lyrics from David Bowie‘s “Sound And Vision.” The newly designed blimp allows for intimate dialogue scenes to be filmed without losing sound quality, enabling actors to perform close to the camera.

Global Filming Locations and Positive Experience

Filming took place in stunning locations around the world, including Greece, Iceland, and Morocco. Damon expressed his amazement at the scope of Nolan’s ambitions, stating, “Nobody has any business shooting here! Of course he wants to shoot here. That tracks.” He praised the crew as “badass,” highlighting their dedication and the successful timeline that saw the project finish ahead of schedule.

“The Odyssey” is set to be released in theaters on July 17, 2025. For those interested, Damon’s full interview on the “New Heights” podcast is available for viewing. As anticipation builds for the film, Damon’s transformation and Nolan’s innovative techniques signal a promising cinematic experience.