Hollywood star Matt Damon has shared a surprising behind-the-scenes secret from Christopher Nolan's epic film, The Odyssey. The Oscar-winning actor admitted that the muscular biceps featured in key close-up action shots did not actually belong to him. He shared they belonged to a remarkably fit female stunt double.
In a recent interview, Damon shared about the physical demands of playing the legendary Greek hero Odysseus. He made a joke about his own physique.
Instense Combat Scenes
Damon showered his stunt double with glowing praise, declaring that she possessed 'the greatest arms I've ever seen'. He confessed that when viewers watch close-up shots of his character flexing during intense combat scenes, they are looking at her arms rather than his own.
The unusual decision to use a female stunt performer for a male action lead came down to director Christopher Nolan's commitment to practical filmmaking. In the film, Odysseus faces off against the Laestrygonians, a mythical tribe of giant man-eaters. Nolan utilised forced-perspective camera tricks to make the actors playing these monsters appear as towering seven-foot figures. The director did not want to rely on digital effects.
The production team needed a smaller performer who could stand in for Damon while still displaying the heroic and toned physique expected of Odysseus. The female stunt performer fit the exact physical requirements needed for the specific camera setups. She possessed both the proper scale for the trick shots and exceptionally sculpted muscles.
Giving the Recognition She Deserves
Damon explained that he underwent rigorous fitness training to prepare for the demanding role. However, his double's muscle definition was on another level. The actor did not take credit for her hard work. He was keen to ensure that she received full recognition for her crucial contribution to the film's action sequences.
He shared that when he first met her, he made sure to show his appreciation for her hard work. The actor gave her a hug and thanked her.
Stunt perfomer Devyn Dalton confirmed she was the performer the actor was referring to. Dalton reacted to the interview, commenting: 'It was my honour to double @matt_damon_official.'
She has dozens of stunt credits under her belt including The Last of Us and Scary Movie.
Bringing the Epic Film to Life
The upcoming film marks another high-profile collaboration for Damon. He worked with Nolan on blockbusters such as Interstellar and Oppenheimer. The Odyssey features a star-studded cast, including Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Tom Holland.
The actors had intense physical preparation to navigate the demanding sets constructed for the mythological epic. Nolan is famous across the film industry for preferring practical visual effects over CGI.
From constructing massive physical sets to employing clever optical angles, the director goes to great lengths to make his cinematic worlds feel real. Using practical perspective tricks alongside highly skilled stunt artists allowed Nolan to bring ancient Greek myths to life.
Damon's lighthearted and honest revelation has been received by film fans and stunt professionals alike. His openness has been hailed as a refreshing and humble gesture.
The actor has shone a light on the often unsung heroes of blockbuster cinema who perform dangerous feats behind the camera.
