Charlize Theron Teases “Odyssey” Role and Working with ‘Friend’ Matt Damon in His ‘Part of a Lifetime’ (Exclusive)

**Charlize Theron Reunites with Matt Damon in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’**

Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron has shared her excitement about reuniting with longtime friend Matt Damon for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of Homer’s Greek epic, ‘The Odyssey.’ The pair, who first appeared on screen together in the 2000 sports drama ‘The Legend of Bagger Vance,’ have remained close friends over the decades, and Theron expressed her joy at collaborating with Damon once again.

Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE during the New York City premiere of her latest Netflix film, ‘Apex,’ the 50-year-old actress reflected on her role in ‘The Odyssey,’ where she portrays the mythological nymph Calypso opposite Damon’s Odysseus. “Matt and I have been friends for 25 years, so it was really lovely to not just get to work with him but to see him in this part, which is really the part of a lifetime,” she said.

While her role in the film is modest in scale, Theron expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to work alongside Damon once more. “I only work with Matt,” she playfully remarked. Indeed, their shared history began with ‘The Legend of Bagger Vance,’ where they portrayed former lovers reunited for a high-stakes golf match, reinforcing their on-screen chemistry.

In ‘The Odyssey,’ the narrative follows Odysseus’s perilous journey home following the Trojan War. The film, which is anticipated to be one of the summer’s blockbusters, features a star-studded cast, including Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, John Leguizamo, and Lupita Nyong’o.

Tom Holland, who stars alongside Damon, praised the actor’s work ethic and positive attitude on set. Describing the project as a challenging one, Holland noted, “No one worked harder than Matt did. He always came to set with a smile on his face and was gracious and kind to the crew. I think he really set the tone for everyone as to how we were going to collectively make this film.”

As for Theron’s latest project, ‘Apex,’ she takes on the role of a rock climber who becomes the target of a relentless hunt in the Australian wilderness. She collaborates with Taron Egerton in the film, directed by Baltasar Kormákur. At the premiere, Theron expressed her gratitude for the team involved in the production, stating, “Thank you to everybody. We had an incredible team. Netflix, I love making movies with you guys.”

The actress further praised Kormákur, saying, “I hope I get to make so many movies with you,” highlighting her enthusiasm for the collaboration. She added with a touch of humour, “It took a man from Iceland to drag me through the outback in Crocs. He did everything before I did, took care of me, made sure everything was fine, but also kicked my ass and broke my body.”

Both ‘Apex’ and ‘The Odyssey’ are set to release in 2026, with ‘Apex’ available on Netflix from April 24 and ‘The Odyssey’ hitting theatres on July 17. Theron’s excitement for both projects showcases her dedication to her craft and her enduring friendship with Damon, making their reunion a highly anticipated event for fans of the two acclaimed actors.

As the release dates approach, moviegoers can look forward to witnessing the talents of Theron and Damon as they bring these compelling narratives to life on screen. Their shared history and camaraderie promise to add an extra layer of depth to their performances in these upcoming cinematic ventures.