Matt Damon is turning heads again — this time with a full-on transformation for his role as the legendary Greek hero Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic, The Odyssey.
As fans rave over Damon’s grizzled new look and chiseled physique, longtime friend and collaborator Ben Affleck is taking it all in with a mix of admiration and mock envy.
In true Affleck-Damon fashion, there’s support, there’s sarcasm, and there’s a whole lot of brotherly banter.
Jump to:
- Affleck Weighs In: “I Feel Like He’s Upstaging Me”
- Damon’s Transformation: Full Beard, Full Abs, Full Commitment
- Nolan’s Epic Reimagining of The Odyssey
- Friends Since “Good Will Hunting” — Still Each Other’s Biggest Fans
- Why Damon’s Transformation Matters — Beyond the Buzz
- What’s Next for the Hollywood Duo?
Affleck Weighs In: “I Feel Like He’s Upstaging Me”
While walking the red carpet for The Accountant 2 premiere in Los Angeles on April 16, Affleck shared his candid thoughts on Damon’s dramatic physical changes.
“You see, this is the face that’s like, they just told him that there were photographers out there so he’s like, ‘I’m flexing my abs, are you watching me? Take my picture,'” Affleck joked to Access Hollywood.
But he didn’t stop there.
“I have to say, I have to give him respect,” he added. “As you get on in life, it’s less and less easy to do this, as I can tell you, and he is getting it done. And I’m a little bit — yeah, I don’t like it, I feel like he’s upstaging me, but what are you gonna do? I gotta respect it. He does look pretty good, I’m kind of impressed.”
Later, speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Affleck got sentimental. “I miss him,” he said with a smile. “He looks great. I think it’s going to be a great movie.”
Damon’s Transformation: Full Beard, Full Abs, Full Commitment
Damon was first spotted in Greece in March with a full graying beard and mustache, sporting the rugged aesthetic of a warrior lost at sea. Not long after, shirtless shots of the actor surfaced online from the Odyssey set in Italy, showing off a shredded frame that surprised even long-time fans.
The images quickly went viral — not only for the impressive physical change but because Damon, now 54, looks like he’s entering his prime all over again.
Though Damon hasn’t spoken publicly about his training or preparation, insiders say the actor underwent an intense regimen, likely combining weight training, mobility work, and a highly structured diet to fit Nolan’s vision of Odysseus as a battle-worn yet heroic figure.
Nolan’s Epic Reimagining of The Odyssey
Universal Pictures officially confirmed The Odyssey in late 2024, describing it as “a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.” The film is set to release July 17, 2026, and marks Christopher Nolan’s boldest mythological adaptation yet.
Damon leads an all-star ensemble cast, which includes:
- Tom Holland
- Zendaya
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Anne Hathaway
According to Deadline, the production spans multiple international locations and blends large-scale action with intimate, character-driven storytelling. Nolan’s signature cinematic style — practical effects, intense performances, and sweeping visuals — is expected to bring Homer’s legendary tale to life in a way audiences have never seen.
Friends Since “Good Will Hunting” — Still Each Other’s Biggest Fans
Affleck and Damon’s friendship spans decades, first finding fame together in 1997 with Good Will Hunting, a film they co-wrote and starred in. Their bond has survived the highs and lows of Hollywood, and they’ve continued to collaborate on and off-screen, most recently on projects like Air and their shared production company, Artists Equity.
While their careers have taken different paths, one thing is clear: mutual support and friendly competition have always fueled their dynamic.
Affleck, now promoting The Accountant 2, returns as Christian Wolff, a math savant with autism turned financial fixer. The sequel co-stars Jon Bernthal, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, and J.K. Simmons in another high-stakes thriller packed with action and brains.
Why Damon’s Transformation Matters — Beyond the Buzz
Beyond the six-pack and silver beard, Damon’s transformation highlights something deeper: the power of commitment to craft, even later in life.
It’s a strong reminder that:
- Physical transformation is possible well into your 50s.
- Preparation for roles — especially mythological ones — can require months of grueling training and discipline.
- Even A-list actors continue to challenge themselves physically and artistically.
Damon stepping into the role of Odysseus isn’t just a visual shift — it’s a full embodiment of a warrior king’s journey. And Affleck’s lighthearted admiration underscores the work it takes.
What’s Next for the Hollywood Duo?
With The Odyssey in full production and The Accountant 2 hitting theaters soon, it seems like 2025 is shaping up to be another major year for both stars.
Fans are eager to see Damon’s performance as Odysseus — but also love knowing that behind the scenes, Affleck’s got his back (and maybe a few playful jabs ready for the next red carpet).
As Affleck put it best: “He looks pretty good. I’m kind of impressed.”
So are we.
