Matt Damon Says This 5-Word Review from His Daughter Made Filming “The Odyssey” ‘All Worth It’ (Exclusive)

**Matt Damon Reflects on Gruelling Filming of ‘The Odyssey’ and His Daughter’s Heartfelt Praise**

Matt Damon, the acclaimed actor renowned for his diverse roles, has recently discussed the arduous challenges he faced while filming his latest project, *The Odyssey*. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, is an adaptation of Homer’s timeless epic poem and is set to hit UK cinemas on 16th July. In a recent interview, Damon expressed that despite the challenges, the experience was ultimately rewarding—especially following his daughter’s revealing review of the film.

In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE magazine, the 55-year-old star described the filming process as more akin to an “expedition” than a typical movie shoot. The cast and crew endured harsh weather conditions, with Damon recalling moments of discomfort, such as being caught in the rain and battling cold temperatures. He candidly labelled the experience as “by far the hardest” of his career, indicating the physical and emotional efforts that went into bringing this classic tale to life.

Yet, for Damon, the strain of the shoot was made worthwhile when he received positive feedback from his daughter after watching the film. He has four daughters—Alexia, 27, Isabella, 20, Gia, 17, and Stella, 15—with his wife, Luciana. One of his daughters turned to him following the screening and told him, “Dad, I’m proud of you.” Damon shared that this was particularly special to him since such affirming remarks had not been common due to their playful family dynamic. He expressed that with that single statement, he felt contentment and assurance about the time and effort he had invested in the project.

Damon’s role as Odysseus in *The Odyssey* is a significant milestone in his career, rooted in the rich narrative of Homer’s work. As one of the foremost adaptations of the poem, the film is generating considerable anticipation among audiences. The London premiere offered Damon the chance to celebrate not only the film but also the sacrifices made by his family during the filming process.

At the premiere, he remarked on how his daughters had to forgo their time with him while he was away shooting. He appreciated the aspect of family involvement, stating, “It’s great because they had to sacrifice a lot too for this.” He acknowledged that while they occasionally visited him on set, the overall shoot necessitated considerable family adjustment, making the screening a meaningful event.

Damon’s profession has allowed him to travel extensively, and he shared his delight in exposing his children to various cultures and landscapes. As he said, “We are seasoned travellers in our family just because I work all over the world. So my kids love to travel.” This globetrotting lifestyle has woven a unique tapestry of shared experiences for the family, enriching their perspectives.

As he navigates the life phase of becoming an empty nester with a couple of his children already launched into adulthood, Damon opened up about cherishing these remaining moments with his younger daughters. He acknowledged the fleeting nature of these years, emphasising the need to be intentional about the time spent together. “We’re trying to be mindful of holding onto what we can,” he stated, reflecting a father’s desire to preserve the closeness as they transition into this new stage of family life.

While the filming of *The Odyssey* proved to be a demanding endeavour, the actor’s experience highlights the relationship between parental commitment and professional aspirations. With the film’s release on the horizon, both Damon and his family are ready to share this momentous achievement with the world.

For more insights into Matt Damon’s journey and details about *The Odyssey*, readers can find an exclusive feature in this week’s edition of PEOPLE magazine, which will be available on stands from Friday. The film promises to be a celebration of not only Homer’s enduring narrative but also the enduring bonds within Damon’s family.