Matt Damon’s dramatic physical transformation at 55 for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”: How he did it

Matt Damon’s dramatic physical transformation at age 55 for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film “The Odyssey” has turned heads. The Oscar-winning actor and screenwriter followed a punishing training plan and an extremely strict diet to achieve the lean but powerful look Nolan wanted for the role of Homer.

Known for acclaimed performances in films such as “Good Will Hunting,” “Invictus,” “The Martian,” “Interstellar” and “Oppenheimer,” Damon is no stranger to demanding roles. Still, this latest project required a particularly radical physical overhaul for what is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about movies of 2026.

Matt Damon’s lifestyle changes for “The Odyssey”

According to Damon, Nolan was very clear about what he wanted. The director asked him to look “lean but strong,” a combination that required months of discipline and lifestyle changes. Damon fully committed, reshaping both his body and daily habits to meet the challenge.

The actor recently opened up about the process during an appearance on the New Heights podcast, hosted by Jason and Travis Kelce. Speaking candidly, Damon described the preparation for a blockbuster that is physically demanding from start to finish.

Jason Kelce noted that he had seen recent set photos showing Damon noticeably slimmer than usual, yet visibly more muscular. Damon explained that the look was simply part of building the character. To get there, he endured grueling workouts and a strict eating plan that led to significant weight loss.

How Damon dropped more than 30 pounds

Damon revealed that he typically weighs between 185 and 200 pounds. For “The Odyssey,” he cut down to about 168 pounds, meaning he lost roughly 33 pounds in total.

“How did I do it?” Damon said. “Honestly, because of this other thing that I did with my doctor, I stopped eating gluten. I haven’t been that light since high school. So it was a lot of training and a really strict diet.”

That dietary change stuck. Damon said he has not reintroduced gluten since finishing the transformation and feels noticeably better overall.

“I’m done. I’m completely gluten-free now,” he explained. “I even found a gluten-free beer. It’s been so long since I’ve eaten gluten that I don’t even know if it’s good or not anymore, which I guess is a good sign.”

Training as part of the job

Alongside his diet, Damon followed training routines tailored specifically to the physical demands of playing Homer. He compared the process to how professional athletes structure their days, with workouts becoming a non-negotiable part of the daily schedule.

“You organize your whole day around it,” Damon said. “It just becomes routine. That’s the physical side of preparation.”

For Damon, fitness is not about vanity but about serving the role. Each character comes with its own physical requirements, and “The Odyssey” demanded a body that looked battle-tested, resilient and authentic.

When will “The Odyssey” premiere?

“The Odyssey” is scheduled to hit theaters on July 17 and boasts an ensemble cast that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, John Leguizamo, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Mia Goth, Charlize Theron and Benny Safdie.

With Nolan directing, writing and producing, and Damon undergoing one of the most striking transformations of his career, expectations are sky-high for this modern take on the ancient epic.

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