Matt Damon “Literally Went Through The Odyssey” to Make Christopher Nolan’s New Epic, Says Co-Star Benny Safdie

“An Incredible Experience”

October 3, 2025: In a recent interview, Benny Safdie—actor and frequent collaborator in The Nolan Troupe—opened up about working with Matt Damon on Christopher Nolan‘s upcoming epic, The Odyssey. Safdie spoke of Damon’s palpable dedication, saying that Damon “literally went through The Odyssey,” referencing both the physical and emotional demands of bringing Odysseus to life. According to Safdie, Damon’s enthusiasm never flagged, even during the most grueling stretches of production.

The Scale of the Production

Safdie described the project as “remarkable,” emphasizing its scale — from the diverse locations to the period details and the logistical challenges of making a film of this magnitude. The actor mentioned that if one were privy to all the back-end effort, they’d hardly believe how much went into each sequence. Despite all that, Damon stayed grounded and excited, says Safdie.

Damon’s Gratitude & Co-Stars’ Impressions

Emily Blunt, another cast member who had previously worked with Nolan, also commented on Damon’s attitude, noting that he still feels “gratitude” for being part of the movie. Blunt and Safdie both expressed goosebumps over what they witnessed: the sense of awe at being part of something grand and ambitious. Safdie recalls seeing Damon in scenes, coming off paint-and-period work, still walking around with “this incredible warmth and excitement about what we were doing.”

What We Know About The Odyssey

Directed and written by Christopher Nolan, the film adapts Homer’s ancient Greek epic about Odysseus’s long journey home after the Trojan War.

The cast is star-studded: Matt Damon plays Odysseus. Joining him are Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Benny Safdie among others.

The film is being shot with new IMAX technology and across international locations, underlining Nolan’s commitment to immersive scale and visual grandeur.

Release is expected in theaters on July 17, 2026.

Why Damon’s Effort Matters

What makes Safdie’s comments meaningful is not just that Damon committed to a huge production—but how he carried himself during it. To “literally go through The Odyssey” suggests long shoots, physical and mental strain, and a willingness to immerse himself in what could be a mythic burden of vision and storytelling. It’s a rare kind of performance that requires more than just acting; it demands endurance, collaboration, and belief in the material. Safdie’s admiration makes clear that Damon did more than show up—he threw himself into the journey.

As The Odyssey continues through post-production, early reports suggest that viewers will get an epic film that pushes both the technical and emotional thresholds of modern cinematic storytelling. Damon’s journey—if Safdie’s remarks are any indication—is central to what promises to be one of Nolan’s most ambitious works yet.