Matt Damon said filming Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey was one of the most physically demanding experiences of his career, describing the production as more of an expedition than a conventional film shoot.
Speaking to People, Damon reflected on portraying King Odysseus in Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, which was filmed across Iceland, Italy, Scotland, Greece and Morocco using IMAX cameras.
“It felt more like an expedition than a movie,” said the 55-year-old actor, who previously collaborated with Nolan on Interstellar and Oppenheimer.
Damon says filming challenged his fears
Damon revealed that the demanding production forced him to confront several personal fears while filming challenging sequences in harsh conditions.
He recalled scenes in which he was blasted by artificial rain created using what he described as “two jet engines, like 737 engines.”
“I worked through a lot of them on this one, definitely,” Damon said. “Claustrophobia was one, but I hope I’m on the other side of that one now.”
Reflecting on his Hollywood journey
The Oscar-winning actor also looked back on the early days of his career alongside longtime friend Ben Affleck.
Damon recalled travelling to New York as a teenager with Affleck to audition for acting roles, including The Mickey Mouse Club.
The pair went on to achieve international recognition after writing and starring in the 1997 film Good Will Hunting, which earned them the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Christopher Nolan’s ambitious adaptation
The Odyssey stars Damon as King Odysseus, whose decade-long struggle to return home after the Trojan War forms the centre of Homer’s epic poem.
The cast also includes Anne Hathaway as Penelope and Tom Holland as Telemachus.
According to the filmmakers, the production is the first feature film to be shot entirely using IMAX 70mm cameras.
The story follows Odysseus as he battles mythical creatures, survives dangerous voyages and faces the wrath of the sea god Poseidon after blinding the Cyclops Polyphemus.
The Odyssey is scheduled to be released in cinemas on July 17, 2026.