Matt Damon slimmed down to 167 pounds, his high school weight, for the role of Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. The actor called the shoot the hardest of his career.
Matt Damon embraced a strict no-gluten diet and intense fitness routine to hit 167 lbs before filming kicked off across Iceland, Scotland, Greece, Italy and Morocco.
The 55-year-old told People the prep was all about lifestyle overhaul, not unhealthy extremes. He noted the entire cast and crew were pushed to their limits, comparing the experience to an expedition rather than a regular movie set.
His daughter's reaction proved the sweetest payoff. After watching the film she told him she was proud, a first that left Damon feeling it was all worth it.
The Odyssey hits cinemas tomorrow, July 17, with a starry ensemble including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson.