Matt Damon Finds Peace as He Takes on The Odyssey

Matt Damon is entering a new chapter in both his career and personal life. The Oscar-winning actor stars as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic The Odyssey, an adaptation of the classic Greek poem. Filmed across Iceland, Morocco, Italy, Scotland and Greece using IMAX cameras, Damon described the production as feeling "more like an expedition than a movie."

To prepare for the physically demanding role, Damon reduced his weight to 167 pounds and underwent intense training. He also faced challenging scenes involving powerful water effects and confined spaces, helping him overcome his claustrophobia.

Away from the set, Damon says his focus is on family, meaningful film projects and his nonprofit, Water.org. With two of his four daughters already living independently, he is making the most of the time he has left with his younger children before they leave home.

Looking back on his career, Damon recalled how his breakthrough came with The Rainmaker and how Good Will Hunting, co-written with childhood friend Ben Affleck, launched both of their careers with an Academy Award.

Now 55, Damon says he is less concerned with things beyond his control and more focused on making films he is proud of. Reflecting on the themes of The Odyssey, he says accepting what cannot be changed has brought him a greater sense of peace.