Matt Damon has revealed that his stunt double in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey was a woman, a disclosure that may further inflame critics like Elon Musk who have already targeted the film over its casting choices. The epic adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem has grossed $264 million in its opening weekend, but has been embroiled in a culture war over its diverse cast, including Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy and Elliot Page in an undisclosed role.
Damon Praises Female Stunt Performer
Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Damon explained that for scenes involving the Laestrygonians—giant man-eating creatures—Nolan used forced perspective to emphasize size differences. Stunt performers under five feet tall were cast to double for the actors, and Damon's double was a woman named Devyn Dalton.
“When we did the forced perspective stuff of the Laestrygonians, there were these kind of stuntmen who were all seven feet,” Damon said. “And then they got stuntmen who were under five feet, and so my double was a woman, a female stunt performer who had the greatest arms I’ve ever seen.”
Damon, 55, who lost 33 pounds for the role through intense training and a gluten-free diet, credited Dalton for her work. “When she came into the catering tent, it was the first time I met her, I went up and I hugged her and I thanked her for all the work she’d put in. And so there are those shots in the movie where you see these giants looming over me and (that’s her).” He added, “It was almost a hundred percent my arms in the movie – but you’ve got to give it up where it’s due.”
Culture War Over Casting
The film has faced criticism from Musk and others on X, who accused Nolan of sacrificing historical accuracy for diversity. Critics have targeted Nyong'o's casting as Helen of Troy and misreported Page as playing Achilles, questioning the inclusion of a trans actor in a masculine role. Nolan has not publicly responded to the backlash, but Damon's revelation challenges the strict gender norms demanded by detractors.
Dalton confirmed her role on Instagram, writing: “No spoilers just yet, but I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of the Laestrygonian battle. Stunt doubling the incredible @matt_damon_official. An epic team effort.” The Odyssey is now in cinemas.
