June 5, 2026, 12:05 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The next blockbuster from director Christopher Nolan is on its way–with Matt Damon playing the legendary Odysseus. To embody the Greek hero, Damon grew a beard and reduced his body weight to 167 pounds.
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As Light as He Hasn’t Been Since High School
Anyone who has seen Matt Damon on screen knows that the actor always presents a solid physical presence–sometimes more toned, sometimes with a bit more belly. However, those who have looked at Greek hero statues will notice: They are often not extremely muscular or stocky. They embody a lean, fit type with subtle muscle definition. This also applies to Odysseus. Appropriately, Damon shared in early 2026 as a guest on the “New Heights” podcast by the Kelce brothers about his preparation for the new Nolan film “The Odyssey”: “I was in really good shape. I lost a lot of weight.” The director wanted him to be lean but strong.1
How strong Damon has become will be seen in the film. But the result of his extreme weight loss speaks for itself: “I used to weigh between 185 and 200 pounds, and for the entire film, I weighed only 167 pounds. I haven’t been this light since high school. So it required a lot of training and a very strict diet,” the actor continues.
It was a lot of training and a very strict diet, Damon says. He also drew a direct comparison to American football players Jason and Travis Kelce: “I can imagine how it feels for you while you’re preparing. It’s just part of your daily routine, part of your job, and you really get used to it and plan your day around it.”
Another Reason for the Weight Loss
Besides the athletic regimen, there was another crucial reason for the weight loss. Due to an agreement with his doctor, the actor completely changed his diet and gave up gluten. A decision that remains: “Because of another issue I discussed with my doctor, I stopped eating gluten. […] I’m done with it. I eat completely gluten-free.” To his relief, he also found a gluten-free beer–perhaps a reason the change is working so well.
Lean but Strong–Is That Even Possible?
Many say before their first trip to the gym: “I want to be athletic, but not too bulky.” In other words, they want to look like Matt Damon for his role as Odysseus.
And yes, it is possible. Because strength and visible muscle mass are not automatically the same. Many believe that getting stronger inevitably means getting bulkier. But it’s not that simple.
The body responds to strength training in two different ways: Either the muscles grow and increase in volume, or the nervous system becomes more efficient and learns to use the existing muscles better. Those aiming for a wiry, athletic physique in the style of a Greek hero should focus primarily on this second adaptation path.
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What Does That Mean Specifically?
Training with very high weights, few repetitions, and long breaks between sets creates a completely different stimulus than traditional muscle-building training. The nervous system learns to activate more muscle fibers simultaneously. The muscle doesn’t necessarily get bigger, but it works much more efficiently. The result: more strength without visibly increasing in volume.
Nutrition also plays an important role. Those who do not specifically aim for a calorie surplus or eat particularly high-protein diets don’t have to worry about suddenly looking “bulky.” Those who eat a balanced diet and do not actively work on muscle building will generally not notice excessive muscle growth.
Read more here: How to get stronger without building (visible) muscles
Should You Also Eat Gluten-Free Now?
Probably not–at least not without a compelling reason. Matt Damon’s decision to give up gluten was based on an agreement with his doctor, so it had a medical background. Gluten itself is not a substance the body needs to survive. But for those who tolerate it well, giving it up offers no significant advantage.