Matt Damon Loses 15 Kilograms for Role as Odysseus

Actor Matt Damon has undergone a significant physical transformation, shedding 15 kilograms to embody the Greek hero Odysseus in a new film. Despite a tight five-month preparation window, Damon, guided by his personal trainer Gabe Stump and a physiotherapist, achieved a physique befitting the epic character.

Stump noted that Damon maintained a solid muscle base from his previous roles but lacked the definition required for an epic hero. The primary goal was to reduce body fat by approximately seven kilograms while preserving muscle mass. This required a specific training regimen designed in consultation with director Christopher Nolan and historical advisors to reflect Odysseus's warrior-like appearance and his leaner, more defined state after 20 years of wandering.

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For 'Odyssey,' we had a very specific goal and look we wanted to achieve, and that was decided by Nolan and Matt, along with, I assume, advisors who determine how the film should look historically. They told us their idea: 'We see Odysseus as a warrior and someone who is very strong, but over 20 years of wandering, he became leaner and more defined.'

The training program included four days of strength training per week, split between upper and lower body workouts, with one day dedicated to cardio-metabolic training. Workouts were conducted in a modest gym with limited equipment, focusing on simple exercises. Each session lasted 45 to 60 minutes, ensuring at least 72 hours of recovery for each muscle group. The program combined pushing and pulling exercises for the upper body, aiming for the lean, powerful look of the legendary hero.

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I started working with him right after the movie 'Air,' in which he plays the CEO of Nike, who is a bit chubby. After that, there were films like Netflix's 'The Ripa' and Apple TV's 'The Instigators,' where there was no need for physical changes. For the last three years, we have mostly worked on general fitness. We thought more about longevity, about staying functional and healthy.