Matt Damon Revealed How He Lost A Lot Of Weight For The Odyssey, And It Surprisingly Didn’t Take A Ton Of Personal Trainers

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Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, an adaptation of The Odyssey, is one of the most eagerly awaited movies of 2026. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, it’s notable for being the first Hollywood movie filmed entirely in IMAX. Those involved describe the production as being as grand in scale as the original poem, and it required Damon to get into peak physical condition – the best shape of his career in decades.

During a recent interview on the New Heights podcast, Damon discussed his fitness routine. Unlike many actors who bulk up for action roles, Damon actually focused on losing weight, even though he still wanted to be strong. He explained that his goal was:

I got into great shape, losing a significant amount of weight. As director Christopher Nolan requested, I aimed for a physique that was both lean and strong.

Actors often transform their bodies for roles, and that usually means working with trainers to follow strict workout and diet plans. Damon did exactly that, committing to the necessary training as routinely as if it were a job, comparing it to the demanding schedule of professional athletes.

He also mentioned that losing weight wasn’t just about working with a trainer; he had helpful conversations with his doctor too. Apparently, Matt Damon decided to stop eating gluten, which helped him get back to a weight he hadn’t seen in years. He went on to explain:

It’s strange, but I stopped eating after starting a gluten-free diet with my doctor. I used to weigh between 185 and 200 pounds, but I got down to 167 for a movie role, which is the lightest I’ve been since high school.

Being a dad to a child who avoids gluten—and mostly avoiding it myself as a result—I’ve come to really appreciate how good bread actually is. Most gluten-free options just don’t compare. I know I’d be healthier cutting it out, but it’s hard. Apparently, Damon hasn’t struggled with that.

Matt Damon says he’s still avoiding gluten and feels great because of it. He attributes his good physical condition to both his exercise routine and sticking to a gluten-free diet, explaining that:

It was a lot of training and a really strict diet.

The trailer for The Odyssey clearly showcases Matt Damon’s fit, but not bulky, physique in the film. Even with armor, it’s evident he’s in excellent shape, suggesting his training and gluten-free diet were effective.

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2026-01-07 21:38