Matt Damon Praises His Stunt Double in "The Odyssey"

In a recent interview, Matt Damon, the star of "The Odyssey," expressed his admiration for his stunt double, revealing that a woman performed stunts on his behalf. This revelation has sparked interest, particularly given Damon’s reputation for undertaking many of his own stunts.

Despite being known for his hands-on approach, especially in action sequences, Damon typically relies on his own training and preparation, opting not to have a permanent stunt double. His only previous doubles were Ben Dimmock, who stepped in for him twice during the "Bourne" series. Remarkably, Damon has managed to avoid significant injuries, although he did accidentally knock out co-star Tim Griffin while filming.

For his role as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s epic, Damon underwent a significant transformation, shedding 15 kilograms and training in professional rowing to enhance his authenticity on screen. His dedication to fitness has garnered him considerable praise.

However, even with his rigorous preparation, Damon acknowledged the necessity of a stunt double during filming. In the podcast "Happy Sad Confused," he shared his gratitude towards his stunt double, saying,

"My double was a woman, a stuntwoman with the most amazing arms I've ever seen. When she came into the catering tent, I met her for the first time. I walked over, hugged her, and thanked her for all the hard work she put in."

The Role of the Stunt Double in "The Odyssey"

– Warning: Minor Spoiler Ahead! –

In addition to stuntwoman Devyn Dalton, Damon worked alongside stuntman Euardo Gago Muñoz, who assisted with traditional action scenes. Dalton’s involvement was particularly crucial for a specific scene involving Odysseus and his crew encountering the Laestrygonians in the forests of Telepylos.

Nolan aimed to minimize the use of computer-generated effects during filming, opting instead for classic cinematic techniques, such as forced perspective, reminiscent of Peter Jackson’s approach in "The Lord of the Rings." Damon noted,

"There are shots where these giants loom over me—and that’s her. Almost 100 percent of the arms you see in the film are mine, but credit where credit is due."

The Canadian actress Dalton has also been featured in various productions, including "Scary Movie 6," "Playdate," "Weapons – The Hour of Disappearance," and "The Revenge of Polly McClusky," where she showcased her skills as a stunt performer.