Matt Damon has shared new details about the intense physical preparation behind his role as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey." The actor said the transformation became a major part of his daily life as he reshaped his body and appearance for the film.
For the role, Damon dropped to 167 pounds over a six-month period while following a gluten-free diet. The scale of that change points to a demanding preparation process as Nolan's adaptation of the classic story moves forward.
Damon also revealed that he grew a real beard for about a year to help create the look of Odysseus. That decision adds to the picture of a production aiming for a more lived-in, physical presence rather than a quick cosmetic change.
His comments offer a glimpse at how much work went into the part before audiences see the finished movie. With Nolan directing and Damon taking on such a dramatic transformation, "The Odyssey" is already drawing attention for the commitment behind its lead performance.
