**Matt Damon Reflects on Life and Career Ahead of ‘The Odyssey’ Release**
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As he embarks on a new chapter in his life and career, actor Matt Damon is contemplating the importance of time and priorities. At 55 years old, the Academy Award-winning star is currently revelling in the release of “The Odyssey,” Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the ancient Greek epic, originally penned by Homer.
In a recent feature for PEOPLE, Damon shared that reaching the milestone of 50 significantly altered his perspective on life. He proclaimed, “I really started feeling like time is the most precious commodity there is.” This newfound awareness has prompted him to adopt a more intentional approach to how he allocates his time, balancing family commitments, professional aspirations, and his philanthropic efforts.
Damon outlined the three main priorities that occupy his time: family, work, and Water.org. This non-profit organisation, which he co-founded in 2009, aims to provide access to safe drinking water for impoverished communities around the globe. His dedication to the cause remains central to his life philosophy.
Now residing in Brooklyn, Damon finds himself entering what he terms a “new phase of life.” With an approaching empty nest, he and his wife, Luciana, are keenly aware of how rapidly time is passing. They have four daughters together—Alexia, 27, Isabella, 20, Gia, 17, and Stella, 15—and Damon expressed a desire to cherish these remaining family moments. “Having two older kids who are out of the nest and knowing how fast these final years go, we’re trying to be mindful of holding onto what we can,” he stated.
On the professional front, Damon is looking to expand his production company, Artist’s Equity, which he operates alongside childhood friend Ben Affleck. The actor aims to create quality films that reflect his artistic vision and values, an ambition that he credits for the founding of the company in the first place. “That’s a very full life,” he remarked, acknowledging the exciting yet demanding nature of his pursuits.
He described his 50s as a period of calm, where he no longer feels the need to chase every opportunity. Instead, he focuses on producing work that resonates with him personally and professionally. “I just want to do work that I think is really stellar on my own terms and on things that I really believe in,” he said.
In “The Odyssey,” which also features an impressive cast including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, and Zendaya, Damon takes on the role of Odysseus, a character that embodies resilience and struggle. The film explores Odysseus’ protracted journey home following the Trojan War, during which he frequently challenges the divine forces that seek to thwart him.
Reflecting on his own life experiences, Damon voiced the need to accept life’s unpredictability. “You live long enough and things happen and tragedy comes and visits you no matter who you are,” he explained. “And you have to just accept what happens.” This mature outlook resonates with his character’s journey, highlighting a theme of wrestling with fate and destiny.
The release of “The Odyssey” is scheduled for July 17, and excitement is brewing not just for the film itself but also for the insights and reflections Damon has shared during its promotion. His candid approach to discussing both his professional and personal priorities serves as an invitation to his fans and followers to reflect on their own lives.
To learn more about Damon’s reflections and the film, readers are encouraged to check out the latest issue of PEOPLE, set to hit newsstands on Friday. As Matt Damon continues to navigate the complexities of stardom, family, and philanthropy, his journey is one marked by intentionality and a profound appreciation for the precious gift of time.