Okay movie fans you are not going to believe this. Matt Damon . Yes THAT Matt Damon. He is looking completely different these days and it's all for a new movie role. Forget Jason Bourne this is Odysseus and Damon is seriously committed to the part. We have got all the pics and details on his wild transformation for Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic " The Odyssey ". Prepare to be amazed!
From Dad Bod to Greek God Bod: Matt Damon's Ripped Physique Shocks On 'The Odyssey' Set
Spotted filming in Italy Damon was photographed shirtless and sporting a seriously impressive physique . We are talking washboard abs people. And a bushy grey beard that completely changes his face. He is practically unrecognizable! This is all for his role as Odysseus the legendary hero from Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey". He was wearing some ancient Greek style tan pants on set showing off all that hard work in the gym. Clearly Damon is not messing around when it comes to getting into character.
It’s not just about looking the part though. Damon's buddy Ben Affleck spilled some tea saying Damon has been deep into stunt rehearsals for "The Odyssey." Affleck joked that at their age action roles feel a bit different. He said Damon's prep is "Bourne Identity kind of territory" which means we can expect some serious action sequences in this movie and Damon doing a lot of his own stunts.
All-Star Cast Assembles: Tom Holland Zendaya and More Join Damon in Nolan's Epic

Damon isn't the only big name in "The Odyssey". The cast is stacked with talent. Tom Holland is on board playing Odysseus' son Telemachus. Pictures from set show Holland also in costume looking ready for battle in full armor. And guess who else was spotted on set? Zendaya! While her exact role is still under wraps rumors are swirling she might be playing Athena the Goddess of Wisdom. Imagine Zendaya as a Greek goddess! The fashion alone will be worth the price of admission.
But the star power doesn't stop there. The cast list is like a who's who of Hollywood A-listers. We are talking Anne Hathaway Robert Pattinson Lupita Nyong’o Charlize Theron Mia Goth Elliot Page John Leguizamo and Benny Safdie all joining Damon in this epic tale. Christopher Nolan is known for assembling incredible casts and "The Odyssey" is no exception. This movie is shaping up to be a major event.
'The Odyssey' Coming in 2026: What We Know About Nolan's Mythic Action Epic So Far

Universal Pictures has confirmed that "The Odyssey" is indeed happening and it is going to be a mythic action epic. Nolan is planning to shoot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology to really bring this ancient story to life in a big way. The movie is officially set to sail into theaters on July 17 2026. Yes we have to wait a bit but with Nolan at the helm and this cast it will likely be worth it.
The studio even dropped a first look photo of Damon in costume back in February sending fans into a frenzy. While details about the plot are still secret it is "The Odyssey" so we can expect a long and adventurous journey for Odysseus as he tries to return home after the Trojan War. Think mythical creatures epic battles and maybe even a Cyclops or two. Knowing Nolan expect some mind-bending twists and turns along the way too.
Fan Reactions Mixed: Excitement for Damon But Some Want More Greek Representation

While most fans are hyped about Damon as Odysseus and the overall project some have raised concerns about casting. Specifically some are disappointed that there aren't more Greek actors in a movie about ancient Greece. Comments online point out the lack of Greek representation in the cast and the fact that filming isn't happening in Greece itself. Some feel it is a missed opportunity for authenticity.
However many fans are still super excited about Damon in the lead role. Comments online show a lot of support for his casting with many saying they "can't wait" to see him as Odysseus. Ultimately it seems like audiences are intrigued by the combination of Nolan directing Damon starring and the epic scale of "The Odyssey" story. Whether it fully satisfies everyone's expectations we will have to see when it hits theaters in 2026.
'The Odyssey' Movie - Cast List at a Glance:

- Matt Damon as Odysseus
- Tom Holland as Telemachus
- Zendaya (Rumored as Athena)
- Anne Hathaway
- Robert Pattinson
- Lupita Nyong’o
- Charlize Theron
- Mia Goth
- Elliot Page
- John Leguizamo
- Benny Safdie
Get Ready for an Epic Journey: 'The Odyssey' Promises to Be a Must-See in 2026
So mark your calendars for July 17 2026 because "The Odyssey" is coming and it looks like it is going to be huge. Matt Damon's transformation alone is worth talking about and with Christopher Nolan directing and a stellar cast this movie is definitely one to watch. Get ready to be transported to ancient Greece for a mythic action adventure unlike anything we have seen before. And maybe start hitting the gym now if Damon's physique is your new inspiration!