Matt Damon Reveals Nolan’s Odyssey as His Defining Role

Matt Damon’s career has spanned decades and genres, with standout performances in everything from psychological thrillers to action-packed franchises. Yet, for all the acclaim and box office success, he’s never spoken about a project quite like he does about Christopher Nolan’s ambitious take on The Odyssey. This summer, audiences will see Damon step into the sandals of Homer’s legendary wanderer, embarking on a perilous voyage home after masterminding the fall of Troy.

Appearing alongside Ben Affleck on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Damon recounted the scale and intensity of the production. Filming took place across Greece, Morocco, and Italy, stretching from February through August 2025. Even for Nolan, known for his grand visions, this was a particularly bold undertaking. Damon didn’t hold back his enthusiasm, declaring,

‘the pinnacle of my entire career. I loved every minute of it. I just loved it.’

On Set with Nolan: A Family Affair

Affleck, who shares a long history with Damon both on and off screen, was among the select few permitted to visit the set. His children, usually indifferent to their father’s work, were drawn in by the mythic subject matter. Damon’s middle child, in particular, has a keen interest in Homer’s epic, making the visit a rare treat. The production team went so far as to conjure up a real storm for a dramatic sequence involving warriors at sea, much to the delight of the visiting families.

Damon spoke warmly of Nolan’s approach, describing him as a director who treats the set as a place for serious work. He expressed genuine gratitude for the opportunity to share a glimpse of the process with his loved ones, a privilege not often extended on such high-profile projects.

Transforming into Odysseus

Taking on the role of Odysseus required more than just learning lines and hitting marks. Damon underwent a significant physical transformation, growing out a beard and shedding weight to achieve the look Nolan envisioned. On the New Heights podcast, he explained that the director wanted him to appear lean yet strong, prompting a strict regimen that saw him drop to 167 pounds—the lightest he’s been since his school days. Gluten was off the menu, and training became a daily ritual.

At 55, Damon found the process both challenging and invigorating. The commitment to authenticity extended beyond his own preparation; the entire cast was expected to immerse themselves fully in their roles, contributing to the film’s palpable sense of realism.

A Cast of Epic Proportions

Nolan assembled a formidable ensemble for the project. Tom Holland steps in as Telemachus, while Anne Hathaway portrays Queen Penelope. Zendaya takes on the role of Athena, and Charlize Theron appears as Circe. The supporting cast includes Jon Bernthal, Robert Pattinson, Himesh Patel, John Leguizamo, Mia Goth, and a host of others, with several roles still shrouded in secrecy.

The Odyssey is set to arrive in cinemas on 17 July 2026, promising a sweeping retelling of Homer’s classic tale, brought to life by a director and cast at the height of their powers.