After more than three decades in the film industry, Matt Damon describes his role in The Odyssey as the peak of his career. The actor recently shared his thoughts during an interview promoting his upcoming Netflix film, The Rip. Discussing the opportunity to star in Christopher Nolan’s ambitious retelling of the ancient Greek epic, Damon emphasized the significance of the project in his professional journey.
Behind the Scenes of Christopher Nolan’s Epic Production
During the appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Damon described the intense demands of bringing The Odyssey to life. He revealed that the scale of the production left no time for distractions or visitors, noting that his longtime friend and collaborator Ben Affleck was the only guest allowed on set during six months of shooting. Damon underscored the extraordinary effort required from the entire cast and crew.
It was absolutely the pinnacle of my entire career,
Damon said.
It was such an ambitious project that the amount of work that needed to be done, there was just no time for anything else,
he explained.
I’ve never, ever done a movie that just required every single person to work to kind of give the maximum effort. I said to him [Affleck] that every location on that movie would have been the hardest location on any other movie I’ve ever done, and any day of work would have been harder than any other day on any other movie I’ve ever done.
The Odyssey’s Star-Studded Cast and Storyline
In the film, Damon portrays Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, who undergoes a perilous journey home following the Trojan War. The story highlights Odysseus’s encounters with mythical creatures, including the Cyclops. Alongside Damon, the cast features notable actors such as Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Himesh Patel, Mia Goth, and Charlize Theron, making the film a major ensemble project.
Christopher Nolan’s Vision and Upcoming Release
Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey adapts Homer’s epic poem with Nolan also producing alongside Emma Thomas. This film marks Nolan’s first release following the critically acclaimed Oppenheimer. Scheduled for July 17, 2026, The Odyssey is highly anticipated for its ambitious scope and stellar team.
The Significance of The Odyssey in Matt Damon’s Career
For Damon, The Odyssey represents more than just another role; it is a demanding artistic challenge that required his fullest commitment. The project’s scale and intensity have set it apart from his previous films, showcasing Nolan’s vision and Damon’s dedication. As one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors takes on this legendary figure, expectations for the film continue to build among audiences and critics alike.
