Matt Damon Says ‘Getting Jacked in Your 50s’ for “The Odyssey” Required ‘Total Lifestyle Change’

Matt Damon has recently opened up about the demanding and transformative experience of preparing for his role in the upcoming film, *The Odyssey*, directed by Christopher Nolan. During a guest appearance on Amy Poehler’s podcast, *Good Hang*, the 55-year-old actor discussed the intense regimen he underwent to get into shape for his portrayal of the iconic character Odysseus, the crafty King of Ithaca.

Damon noted that achieving a muscular physique at his age demanded significant lifestyle adjustments. He stated, “Just put your foot on the gas and that’s it, that’s the only way to do it … and eat a little less.” This straightforward yet rigorous approach reflects not only his commitment to the role but also the grit required to meet the physical demands of playing a legendary hero.

In this adaptation of Homer’s ancient epic, Damon is joined by an impressive cast that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, and Robert Pattinson, adding to the film’s high-profile appeal. He described the process of sculpting his physique as both challenging and rewarding. To aid his transformation, Damon removed gluten from his diet — a decision he credits with significantly enhancing his overall wellbeing. “I didn’t realise the level to which it was affecting me,” he reflected, acknowledging the positive impact this change has had on his life in recent years.

However, this dietary sacrifice has not come without its drawbacks, as he humorously lamented his fondness for bread, beer, pasta, and pizza. Damon’s candidness about the joys of food highlights the sacrifices required for his role, emphasising the lengths to which actors sometimes go to fully immerse themselves in their characters.

Alongside the physical demands, Damon also elaborated on the impact of filming on his sleep schedule. As a father of four daughters with his wife Luciana, Damon admitted to being a light sleeper, a habit exacerbated by the rigours of shooting *The Odyssey*. He shared an amusing inside joke with the production team dubbed the “Odyssey Five,” referring to the rare satisfaction of getting five hours of sleep in a single night. He revealed, “That’s not a lot of sleep, but it was enough,” acknowledging that adapting to such irregular hours was part of the challenge.

Damon’s struggles with sleeplessness during the production included nights where he managed only a few hours of rest, with some nights entirely devoid of sleep. He recalled moments when exhaustion led to a restless state where he missed the opportunity to fall asleep, resulting in heightened anxiety. This portrayal of behind-the-scenes realities offers a glimpse into the often-overlooked personal sacrifices actors make in pursuit of their craft.

Despite the hard work and sacrifices required during filming, Damon emphasised that the overall experience was ultimately rewarding. “It was hard,” he said. “It was hard for everybody though. That’s what made it wonderful.” His remarks highlight the camaraderie among the cast and crew, indicating that shared challenges can foster stronger bonds and create memorable experiences.

As *The Odyssey* approaches its release, anticipation continues to build, not just for Damon’s performance but for the film itself, which promises to bring a contemporary vision to a classic tale. His insight into the relentless dedication required for such roles serves as a testament to the intense preparation and resilience actors exhibit in the pursuit of excellence.

In a world where physical transformations for film roles have become increasingly common, Damon’s experiences remind audiences of the dedication required to bring iconic stories and characters to life on screen. As he continues to evolve as an actor, there is little doubt that his commitment to his craft will remain as steadfast as the hero he portrays.