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'The Odyssey': Matt Damon has one strict rule for movies 
15 Jul 2026

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Hollywood actor Matt Damon revealed that he won't be gaining weight for a movie role again.

The decision comes after his intense preparation for Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic film, The Odyssey.

To portray King Odysseus in the adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem, Damon reportedly lost weight to match his high school weight of 76kg.

'I was happy to do it earlier in my life'
Weight loss approach

Damon told PEOPLE, "I didn't change it in an unhealthy way. I think if I had done the opposite and put weight on, that would have been dangerous, and it's not something I'll do anymore."

He added, "I was happy to do it earlier in my life."

To prepare for his role as Odysseus, who embarks on a 20-year journey to reunite with his wife (Anne Hathaway) and son (Tom Holland), Damon also eliminated gluten from his diet.

'You have to just be very, very intentional...'
Role preparation

Damon further revealed that his preparation for The Odyssey involved a complete lifestyle change.

"It was more about just getting really, really physically fit, which just really involves changing your diet, just a whole lifestyle change," he said.

"You have to just be very, very intentional about everything you're putting in your body."

'The most challenging movie I've ever been a part of'
Film challenges

Damon said about The Odyssey, "This movie was by far the hardest movie to the most challenging movie I've ever been a part of."

He found inspiration in the dedication of everyone involved in the film, which was shot across various locations including Iceland, Scotland, Greece, Italy, and Morocco.

The Odyssey releases on Friday.