Matt Damon Shares Diet and Training Secrets for “The Odyssey”
Preparing for a major film often demands much more than memorizing lines, and Matt Damon recently shared just how demanding that process became for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming movie, “The Odyssey.”
During a candid conversation on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, the Academy Award-winning actor explained how building a muscular physique in his 50s required discipline, major lifestyle adjustments, and very little sleep.
Despite the physical and mental demands, Damon described the experience as one of the most rewarding projects he has worked on.
Matt Damon’s Routine for “The Odyssey”
Speaking on the July 5 episode of Good Hang, the 55-year-old actor said that getting into peak physical condition at this stage of life was not something that happened overnight.
“Just put your foot on the gas and that’s it,” Damon said. “That’s the only way to do it … and eat a little less.”
For “The Odyssey,” Damon takes on the role of Odysseus, the clever and fearless King of Ithaca from Homer’s legendary Greek epic. The Christopher Nolan-directed film also features Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and several other notable stars.
Instagram | @matt_damon_official | To play Odysseus in “The Odyssey,” Matt Damon, 55, achieved his peak physique through diet and consistency.
As part of his preparation, Damon completely removed gluten from his diet. The change turned out to have a much bigger impact than expected.
“I didn’t realize the level to which it was affecting me,” he said. “It’s completely changed my life these last couple years of not eating it.”
Still, the adjustment came with sacrifices. Damon admitted that avoiding some of his favorite foods was not always easy.
“I’m a big fan of bread and beer, pasta and pizza and all that stuff,” he joked.
Long Days and Very Little Sleep
Physical training was only one part of the challenge. Damon also revealed that filming “The Odyssey” came with an exhausting schedule that left little time for rest.
The actor, who shares four daughters—Alexia, 27, Isabella, 20, Gia, 17, and Stella, 15—with his wife Luciana, said he has been a light sleeper since becoming a father. During production, however, sleep became even harder to find.
He recalled a running joke shared with the production assistants called the “Odyssey Five.” According to Damon, “If you could get five hours, you were thrilled.”
Instagram | juanmadelapoza | For Damon, the grueling dedication required for “The Odyssey” is exactly what made it wonderful.
Although five hours of sleep became the goal, it was not always possible. Damon explained that some nights ended with only four hours of rest, while two nights passed without any sleep at all because he became so exhausted that he missed the chance to fall asleep and eventually grew anxious.
The demanding workout routine, strict eating habits, and limited sleep tested everyone involved in making “The Odyssey.” Damon emphasized that the challenges were shared across the entire cast and crew, creating a strong sense of teamwork throughout production.
“It was hard,” Damon said. “It was hard for everybody though. That’s what made it wonderful.”
His comments offer a closer look at the level of preparation behind Christopher Nolan’s latest film and highlight the commitment required to bring an iconic story like “The Odyssey” to the screen. The experience reflects how dedication, consistency, and teamwork often shape the performances audiences eventually see on screen.