Matt Damon Says He Had No Idea How They Would Shoot “The Odyssey’s” Infamous Trojan Horse Until They Were In It (Exclusive)

**Matt Damon Opens Up About Filming the Iconic Trojan Horse Scene in ‘The Odyssey’**

Matt Damon, the renowned actor, recently shared his experiences filming the upcoming adaptation of Homer’s epic poem, ‘The Odyssey’. In an interview with *People* magazine, Damon spoke candidly about the sometimes unpredictable nature of filmmaking, particularly regarding the much-anticipated Trojan Horse scene. The film, directed by Christopher Nolan, is set to be released in theatres on July 17.

Recalling a moment just days before the critical scene was shot, Damon revealed that even Nolan, an acclaimed figure in cinema, had not finalised how they would execute the visually striking sequence involving the legendary wooden horse. “What’s funny about the Trojan Horse was before we shot it, we were filming the fall of Troy, and then the following week we were starting in on the horse,” Damon said. The actor asked Nolan directly, “Chris, how are you going to do the horse?” to which Nolan reportedly responded, “Yeah, I don’t know.”

In this ambitious adaptation, Damon takes on the legendary role of Odysseus, a warrior king attempting to return home to Ithaca after two decades of challenges. His character must navigate through threats and suitors vying for his queen, Penelope, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, while their son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland, struggles with the added pressures of impending danger.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the scene’s execution, Damon felt confident in Nolan’s creative vision. He described the process as organic, almost akin to independent filmmaking, where unplanned elements could lead to unforeseen moments of brilliance. “The way we were going to shoot the horse was we were all going to get in the horse and figure it out,” he explained. Joined by acclaimed cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema and the main cast, the team immersed themselves in the project, fostering a spirit of collaboration and spontaneity.

Reflecting on the camaraderie built during the shoot, Damon noted, “We were together as a crew for the entire film and we just jammed in there and figured it out.” He praised the synergy and energy that came from approaching the filmmaking process without overly rigid plans, allowing for creativity and instinct to guide their work.

Damon recalled an intense moment while filming the Trojan Horse scene when fellow actor Jon Bernthal, cast as Menelaus, found himself half-submerged in icy water. Shooting took place in the dead of winter in Morocco, causing Bernthal to shiver uncontrollably as he attempted to deliver his lines. “Jon was so tough,” Damon remarked, reminiscing about the challenging conditions. He watched as Bernthal persevered despite the discomfort, showcasing an example of dedication that resonated throughout the cast.

Nolan’s commitment to put himself in the thick of the action did not go unnoticed by his collaborators. John Leguizamo, who plays Eumaeus, Odysseus’ loyal friend, was taken aback by Nolan’s willingness to join the actors inside the massive wooden horse. “I was looking for Chris Nolan to meet him, and they told me he was inside the horse with 20 actors and the DP and the IMAX camera,” Leguizamo shared with *The Hollywood Reporter*. He expressed admiration for Nolan’s leadership style, emphasising that the director was willing to experience the same challenges as his cast.

Damon’s reflections on the filming process underline the spirit of teamwork and resilience that characterised the production of ‘The Odyssey’. While the realities of filming can often present hurdles, the collaborative effort helped the cast forge strong bonds, perfectly suiting the story’s themes of loyalty and endurance. “It was early on in the shoot, and I think that set the tone for the cast,” he said.

The dedication of the cast and crew serves as a testament to the fervour surrounding this adaptation of a timeless classic. ‘The Odyssey’, set to captivate audiences with its grand visuals and dramatic storytelling, promises to bring fresh life to a narrative that has fascinated generations. Damon’s enthusiasm for the project and his respect for Nolan’s approach only adds to the anticipation leading up to the film’s release.

As the premiere date approaches, fans eagerly await the chance to experience this innovative retelling of Homer’s epic, buttressed by a commitment from the filmmakers that highlights both the art of storytelling and the power of collective effort. With Damon, Hathaway, and Holland cast in leading roles, audiences can expect a stunning visual and emotional journey when ‘The Odyssey’ hits cinemas this summer.