Matt Damon Reveals ‘The Odyssey’ Weight Loss Journey to 167 Pounds

Actor Matt Damon recently discussed his significant weight loss journey for the upcoming film “The Odyssey” during an appearance on the “New Heights” podcast. Under the direction of Christopher Nolan, Damon reduced his weight to 167 pounds, a level he hadn’t seen since high school.

Weight Loss for “The Odyssey”

Damon, known for his various roles, mentioned that he usually maintains a weight between 185 and 200 pounds. However, Nolan’s vision for the character of Odysseus required him to be “lean but strong.” To achieve this, Damon adopted a strict diet and even eliminated gluten from his meals. His dedication to fitness involved intensive training throughout the filming process.

Transformation Through Diet and Exercise

• Lost weight down to 167 pounds, a weight not seen since high school.
• Typically weighed between 185–200 pounds before filming.
• Followed a strict diet and fitness regime, including eliminating gluten.

Innovative Filming Techniques

“The Odyssey” stands out as the first Hollywood feature entirely shot with IMAX cameras. Damon praised Nolan’s innovative approach to filmmaking, particularly how dialogue scenes were recorded. The production team built a unique soundproof enclosure around the IMAX cameras to capture clear audio, addressing the typical noise produced by these devices.

• IMAX cameras are known for their loud operation, often compared to a blender.
• A new “blimp” system was developed to minimize camera noise and improve sound quality.

Filming Locations and Crew Experience

The film was shot in breathtaking locations worldwide, including Greece, Iceland, and Morocco. Damon expressed how impressed he was with Nolan’s ambitious plans for on-location shoots. The collaboration with an exceptionally talented crew made the filming experience seamless and enjoyable, with the production finishing ahead of schedule.

Release Information

Fans can look forward to “The Odyssey,” which is set to premiere in theaters on July 17. For more insights from Matt Damon’s interview, the full episode of the “New Heights” podcast is available for viewing.