Matt Damon Reaches High School Weight for Nolan's The Odyssey

Matt Damon has revealed a dramatic physical transformation for his role in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. Appearing on the 'New Heights' podcast, the actor disclosed that he reduced his body weight to 167 pounds for the production.

This weight marks a return to his high school physique, as Damon typically fluctuates between 185 and 200 pounds. The transformation required a year of preparation, including growing a beard and adhering to a strict, gluten-free diet to achieve the 'lean but strong' look demanded by the director.

Preparing for Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the ancient Greek epic required Matt Damon to reach a specific physical benchmark. During his conversation with hosts Jason and Travis Kelce, Damon detailed the extent of his weight loss. "I was in really good shape. I lost a lot of weight," Damon stated. "[Nolan] wanted me lean but strong."

The actor revealed that his current weight of 167 pounds is a significant departure from his usual physique. "I used to walk around at between 185 and 200, and I did that whole movie at 167," Damon explained. "And I haven't been that light since high school." This drastic change involved a year-long commitment to both exercise and dietary restrictions.

To achieve the necessary weight loss, Matt Damon adopted a strict dietary plan. He eliminated gluten from his meals, a decision he attributed to advice from his doctor. "Just because of this other thing that I did with my doctor, I stopped eating gluten," Damon said. This dietary shift was essential to reaching his target weight of 167 pounds.

Damon compared the discipline required for the role to the life of a professional athlete. He told the Kelce brothers that the routine of training and preparation became a central part of his day. Even after the cameras stopped rolling, Damon has maintained this lifestyle. "I'm done. I'm gluten-free everything," he declared, mentioning that he has even found a gluten-free beer that he now enjoys.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is an adaptation of Homer's famous epic poem. The film boasts a massive ensemble cast alongside Matt Damon, including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron.

The production is notable for being the first of Nolan's films to be shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film. The movie is set to hit theaters on July 17, giving audiences a look at Damon's high school physique in just a few months.

Matt Damon's dedication to Christopher Nolan's vision for The Odyssey highlights the extreme measures actors take for major roles. By dropping over 30 pounds to match his high school weight, Damon has physically embodied the requirements of the ancient Greek setting. With the film's release date approaching on July 17, audiences will soon see the results of this intense training and strict gluten-free diet on the big screen.