Matt Damon Recalls the Absurdly Torturous Way He Finished Shooting “The Odyssey” (Exclusive)

**Matt Damon Reflects on the Gruelling Journey of Filming ‘The Odyssey’**

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, renowned actor Matt Damon shared insights into the physically demanding experience of filming ‘The Odyssey’, directed by Christopher Nolan. The production, which saw Damon assuming the role of Odysseus, took place across an array of stunning locations, including Greece, Morocco, Iceland, Scotland, and Italy, transforming the endeavour into what Damon described as “more of an expedition than a movie”.

The shooting was characterised by extraordinary challenges. “If you were cold and wet, you turned and looked and Chris was just as cold and just as wet,” Damon recalled, highlighting the camaraderie among the cast and crew as they faced harsh conditions. As the end of filming approached, the team anticipated a shift to a controlled environment at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, where a water tank awaited them. However, Damon noted that expectations of an easier shoot were quickly dashed.

“The last location was the water tank, but nobody felt it would be a breeze,” he mentioned. “And sure enough, there were these two jet engines, like 737 engines, blowing water on us. It was definitely one of the most challenging environments I’ve experienced.” The humor of the situation did not escape him, as he recounted shooting scenes that turned comically intense with Chris pouring water over his face during a particularly tricky moment in the tank.

Damon’s journey through filming was not without its mind-bending moments. After confronting mythical creatures like Cyclopes and enduring the confines of a giant Trojan Horse, he joked about facing his own fears, specifically claustrophobia. “I definitely worked through a lot of them on this one,” he said, optimistic about overcoming his anxieties. Despite the physical and mental tests, the actor found the entire process deeply moving.

The shared effort of the cast and crew created an unmatched sense of unity. “You could not look in any direction and not see someone giving everything they had for this common project,” Damon expressed. Every week culminated in a feeling of achievement as the exhausted yet fulfilled team reflected on their joint efforts.

Director Christopher Nolan, lauded for his exceptional cast, which includes stars such as Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron, praised the resilience of his team. “It was a hard shoot, but hard in the right way,” Nolan stated emphatically. The demanding nature of the filming did not deter the star-studded cast; instead, they rose to the occasion magnificently.

At its core, the experience of bringing Homer’s timeless tale to life proved to be a profound one for Damon. The actor expressed gratitude for being part of a project that pushed everyone to their limits. “It was the best experience I’ve ever had,” he said, acknowledging the expertise of the crew and their collective dedication to achieving something remarkable.

‘The Odyssey’ is set to hit theatres on July 17, promising audiences an extraordinary cinematic journey through one of history’s most celebrated narratives. For further details and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, fans can check out this week’s edition of PEOPLE, which will be available from Friday.

As the excitement builds for this cinematic adaptation of an age-old epic, it is evident through Damon’s reflections that the true magic of filmmaking often thrives in the shared struggles and triumphs behind the scenes.