Hollywood actor Matt Damon has revealed that he worked with a female stunt performer on the sets of Christopher Nolan's epic 'The Odyssey', sharing behind-the-scenes details about one of the film's most visually striking sequences. The disclosure came during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, where Damon spoke candidly about the production's creative approach to forced-perspective filmmaking.

The Stunt Double Reveal

Damon, 55, explained that the unconventional casting of his double was driven by the demands of a specific scene involving the mythological giants known as the Laestrygonians. 'When we did the forced perspective stuff of the Laestrygonians, there were these stunt men who were all seven feet. My double was a woman, a female stunt performer, who had the greatest arms I've ever seen,' he said.

The actor noted that the female stunt performer appeared in the sequence 'where you see these giants looming over me,' and expressed his appreciation for her contribution. 'It was almost 100 percent my arms in the movie. You gotta give it up where it's due,' Damon added, crediting the performer for the physical work she brought to the role.

A Career-Defining Role

Damon plays Odysseus in the film — a role he has previously described as the most rewarding experience of his acting career. 'The Odyssey' is adapted from Homer's ancient Greek epic of the same name and marks Nolan's first foray into large-scale mythological storytelling. The film follows Odysseus's legendary struggle to return home after the Trojan War.

The production was shot using cutting-edge IMAX technology across multiple international locations, positioning it as one of the most technically ambitious cinematic undertakings in recent memory. The film released theatrically in July 2026.

A Star-Studded Ensemble

Damon leads a formidable cast that includes Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong'o, Samantha Morton, Zendaya, and Charlize Theron. The film has been receiving strong audience response since its release, with Damon's performance drawing particular praise.

Behind the Spectacle

The revelation highlights the often-overlooked craft of stunt performers, particularly in large-scale productions where visual effects and practical filmmaking intersect. Nolan's reputation for practical, in-camera techniques means that sequences like the Laestrygonians scene required real physical ingenuity rather than purely digital solutions. The choice of a female stunt double — selected for physical attributes suited to the shot — underscores how modern productions increasingly prioritise the right performer for the right role, regardless of gender convention. As 'The Odyssey' continues its theatrical run, behind-the-scenes stories like this one are adding to its cultural footprint.