Hollywood star Matt Damon is undergoing a remarkable physical transformation for his upcoming film, 'The Odyssey', directed by acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan. This marks their third collaboration following 'Interstellar' and 'Oppenheimer'. Recent photos from the film set, which have gone viral online, show a noticeably leaner Damon, sparking widespread curiosity among fans.
Nolan's Vision for a Mythic Warrior
Damon has now confirmed that his changed physique was a deliberate and carefully managed process, driven entirely by Nolan's specific vision for the character. The actor shared these details during a candid conversation on the popular 'New Heights' podcast hosted by NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce.
When Jason Kelce commented that Damon looked "pretty yoked up," the actor provided a straightforward explanation. "Yeah, I was in really good shape," Damon stated. "I lost a lot of weight." He elaborated that Nolan had given him a clear physical directive: the director wanted Odysseus to appear "lean but strong." Damon described this balance as "a weird thing," but it became the guiding principle for his entire preparation, aiming for functional strength without excessive bulk.
The Gluten-Free Diet That Shed the Pounds
The key to achieving this leaner silhouette, according to Damon, was a significant shift in his diet. "I literally, just because of this other thing I did with my doctor, stopped eating gluten," he revealed. This dietary change yielded rapid and impressive results.
Damon disclosed his weight statistics, stating that he typically weighs between 185 and 200 pounds. However, for the entirety of filming 'The Odyssey', he maintained his weight at a lean 167 pounds. "I haven't been that light since high school," he admitted, highlighting the intensity of the regime. "So it was a lot of training and a really strict diet." He also praised the role of professional trainers in helping actors achieve such specific physical goals, noting their adaptability when provided with a clear objective.
Sustaining the Discipline Beyond the Film
Damon compared the rigorous preparation for a film role to an athlete training for a season. "When I do that, or when I do the Jason Bourne movies, it feels almost like a season," he said, explaining how the routine becomes an integral part of daily life.
Interestingly, the habits formed for 'The Odyssey' have persisted. Damon told the Kelce brothers that he has continued to avoid gluten even after filming wrapped. "I'm done," he declared. "I'm gluten-free everything." He humorously added that he even "found a gluten-free beer." This cautious approach is informed by past experience; Damon once lost 40 to 50 pounds for 'Courage Under Fire', a drastic transformation his doctor warned could have permanently damaged his heart. This time, the discipline was pursued with greater care for his long-term health.
As the buzz around Nolan's epic interpretation of the Greek legend grows, Matt Damon's dedicated physical metamorphosis offers a compelling glimpse into the actor's commitment to bringing the legendary hero Odysseus to life on the big screen.
