Matt Damon Banished Pasta for “The Odyssey. ”A Family Dinner in Italy Put That to the Test (Exclusive)

Matt Damon has recently opened up about his significant physical transformation for his latest role as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic, *The Odyssey*. In a candid interview with *PEOPLE*, the acclaimed actor discussed the rigorous lifestyle changes he undertook for the part, which required him to shed gluten from his diet and commit to an intense fitness regimen.

At 55 years old, Damon underwent major alterations to his physique, managing to build himself into a muscular 167 lbs to portray the famed king and warrior. He described the undertaking as “a whole lifestyle change” focused on achieving peak physical fitness, which necessitated meticulous scrutiny over everything he consumed. “You have to just be very, very intentional about everything you put in your body,” he remarked.

This transformation required Damon to give up some of his all-time favourite foods, including beloved staples like pasta and pizza, even during family gatherings. Reflecting on these dietary sacrifices, he acknowledged, “It was a bit of a bummer” as he is quite fond of food items that contain gluten, such as bread, beer, and various pasta dishes.

Despite the challenges, the actor has actually adopted a gluten-free diet more permanently. While speaking on Amy Poehler’s *Good Hang* podcast, Damon revealed that he hadn’t initially realised how much his diet was affecting his overall wellbeing. “It’s completely changed my life these last couple of years of not eating it,” he noted.

Damon’s commitment to his role was put to the test when his family visited him in Italy during the filming. He made a promise to enjoy a pasta dinner with his wife Luciana and their four daughters—Alexia, Isabella, Gia, and Stella. Yet, even with the temptation of freshly made pasta in front of him, he ultimately chose to uphold his dietary restrictions, opting instead for a steak. “I was just in it, it was gonna be four or five more months. It’s all or nothing at this point,” he explained, highlighting his determination.

Throughout the filming process, Damon faced numerous challenges. He stated, “I really couldn’t describe the hardest day, ’cause there wasn’t really an easy day on the movie.” He expressed a sense of discomfort being singled out for the struggles involved, instead acknowledging that the extensive cast and crew all felt the pressure of the complex production. He described the experience as akin to an expedition rather than a conventional film shoot, stating that everyone involved was fortunate to be part of the project.

At the recent London premiere, Damon shared the emotional significance of the film for both himself and his family. “It’s great because they had to sacrifice a lot too for this,” he remarked of his daughters, who had to adjust to their father’s demanding filming schedule. He candidly expressed his excitement for them to see the finished product, acknowledging the long and arduous nature of the shoot.

A touching moment came towards the end of the film when one of his daughters turned to him and simply said, “Dad, I’m proud of you.” For Damon, who often jokes with his children, this sincere compliment made all the hard work feel worthwhile.

The star also emphasised the importance of family and tradition in his life, particularly their commitment to having dinner together each night. “It’s non-negotiable, and it’s always been that way,” he affirmed. However, he reflected on how work commitments had begun to intrude on this sacred family time, prompting discussions with his daughters about the importance of being present during their mealtime together.

Damon concluded by expressing the need to fully engage with the moments shared with family, noting, “Because you can’t slow time down, the only way to really do it is to really be there and be in it.” As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, it is evident that the journey for Damon has extended beyond the physical demands of his role, encompassing meaningful moments with his loved ones and a renewed appreciation for presence.

As audiences await the release of *The Odyssey*, they can anticipate not just a visually stunning interpretation of a classic tale, but also a heartfelt dedication from an actor who has truly invested himself into his character.