“The Odyssey” brought together one of the most prestigious casts in Hollywood, bringing together actors working side by side for the first time. While promoting the film, Robert Pattinson revealed that he once thought his co-star, Matt Damonhad become completely unhinged, only to learn that he was fully committed to his preparation for the role of King of Ithaca.
Matt Damon’s screams shocked Robert Pattinson
Christopher Nolan assembled an ensemble cast to bring Homer’s “The Odyssey” to life, including Matt Damon (Ulysses), Anne Hathaway (Penelope), Tom Holland (Telemachus), Robert Pattinson (Antinous) and Zendaya (Athena).
While promoting the epic fantasy film, Pattinson recalled a memorable moment on set involving one of his co-stars. The “Batman” actor was asked if there was a specific moment he was impressed with Damon, and he revealed a behind-the-scenes look at the actor’s commitment to playing his role.
Pattinson said he once heard noises and screams coming from Damon’s trailer, which was next to his. He said he always thought Damon was “such a nice guy” and didn’t know what to think about the yelling. “I thought he was on the phone and I’m like, ‘He’s a complete psychopath.’ He just wants to scream. Screaming and screaming,” Pattinson told MTV UK, adding that he also assumed the actor was having a “bad bathroom experience.”
Later, he discovered that Damon was straining his voice to “sound older” and have more character.
Matt Damon underwent rigorous training
Damon discussed at length the preparations he made to play Ulysses and is in the best shape of his life thanks to his physical training. He lost weight because director Christopher Nolan wanted him to look slim but strong.
The actor underwent rigorous training and also followed a strict diet to achieve the ideal physique. Speaking to the Kelce brothers on the “New Heights” podcast, Damon said, “I stopped eating gluten. I was walking around between 185 and 200, and I did this whole movie at 167. And I haven’t been this light since high school.”
Additionally, Damon attended a nautical rowing camp and learned to pilot an ancient warship and trained in archery, combat, and swordsmanship.
“The Odyssey” is the actor’s most difficult film
Damon appeared in more than 80 films during his decades-long career, and he considers “The Odyssey” the most difficult film he has ever made.
To be fair, Nolan told him beforehand that it was going to be “really difficult.” “To his credit, he wasn’t lying,” Damon told Willie Geist on the “Sunday Sitdown” podcast.
Nolan is well known for prioritizing practical effects over CGI, and for “The Odyssey,” the cast and crew filmed in multiple countries to capture an authentic atmosphere. Some sequences were filmed on the open sea, which caused some of the cast and crew to become seasick.
Damon said the shoot felt “more like an expedition than a movie” and that everyone was pushed to their limits.
The actor’s last days of filming were trying
After filming for months in several locations around the world, the production returned to Universal Studios to shoot some scenes in a water tank that were too dangerous to shoot in open water.
Despite the controlled environment, it was still a challenge. Damon remembers being on set and seeing jet engines that would simulate a violent storm. Nolan also got in on the action by filming close-ups of the actor.
“We did some stuff on the tank that involved Chris pouring water on my face while I was laying there, and I was like, ‘This is perfect. We’re done with waterboarding,'” Damon said. PEOPLE.
Regardless of the challenges, Damon said he felt a “sense of gratitude”, describing the film as the “best experience” he has ever had in his career.
Matt Damon received praise from the most important people in his life
Damon has received overwhelming praise from critics and audiences, but the most meaningful has come from the people he loves most.
He said his wife, Luciana, and their four daughters were all proud of his performance, but the biggest endorsement came from his daughter Isabella, who he described as the harshest critic, even when he was the one starring in the film.
He also received a call from his best friend, Ben Affleck. “He didn’t stop talking for an hour. It was like he had seen the movie 20 times. He understood absolutely everything. Every detail. Somehow he took it all in in one viewing,” Damon said.