Matt Damon is stepping into a new role that will have audiences seeing him in a completely different light.
The 54-year-old actor touched down in Greece on Thursday to begin filming Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey.
As he made his arrival, he looked almost unrecognizable with a long grey beard and thick moustache, embodying the legendary Greek hero, Odysseus.
Damon kept a low profile upon his arrival, opting for sunglasses and a black baseball cap.
He sported a casual look, pairing a black zip-up jumper with blue denim jeans and white trainers.
His transformation into the iconic Greek king is one of the key elements of the film, which is expected to be an epic action adventure.
The Epic Scale of Nolan’s The Odyssey
Nolan’s version of The Odyssey is set to be a visually stunning and mythologically rich film. The movie, which is set to hit IMAX theaters on July 17, 2026, will use cutting-edge IMAX film technology to bring the ancient Greek tale to life.
Principal photography began last month, with filming locations spanning across the UK, Morocco, Sicily, and Greece.
On Thursday, filming continued in the Moroccan village of Aït Benhaddou, a location familiar to fans of Gladiator II and Game of Thrones.
With a massive $250 million budget, Nolan’s The Odyssey is already being dubbed as the most expensive film of his career.
As filming progresses, more familiar faces will join the cast, with actors like Anne Hathaway rumored to play Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, and Tom Holland tipped to portray Telemachus, their son.
Matt Damon’s Past Collaborations with Christopher Nolan
This isn’t the first time Damon has worked with director Christopher Nolan. In 2023, he played U.S. Army General Leslie Groves in Oppenheimer, which delved into the creation of the atomic bomb.
Additionally, Damon appeared in Nolan’s 2014 sci-fi epic Interstellar, playing NASA astronaut Dr. Mann.
His return to Nolan’s world in The Odyssey has sparked great anticipation for the upcoming release.
Fans Playfully Mock Matt Damon’s New Role
On social media, fans have been quick to make light of Damon’s new role.
One Twitter user joked about the film’s potential alternative title, Good Home Hunting, referencing Damon’s past roles as a man trying to find his way home.
Another user humorously speculated that the film would be “three hours of him wandering around, bumping into gods, and trying to find his way home while Nolan bends time and reality just to make sure he stays lost.”
Controversial Casting Choices and Criticisms
While the film is already generating buzz, it hasn’t been without its share of controversy.
Some fans have criticized the casting choices, particularly the lack of Greek actors in prominent roles.
One Twitter user expressed frustration over the absence of Greek or Greek-American actors, especially in a story rooted in Greek mythology.
Another complained about the film’s costume design, specifically the portrayal of Odysseus’ helmet, which they felt lacked creativity and authenticity.
The Odyssey’s Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Matt Damon, The Odyssey boasts an impressive ensemble cast.
Anne Hathaway, rumored to play Penelope, is joined by Tom Holland, Charlize Theron (who may portray Circe), and several other big names, including Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie, and Elliot Page.
The film promises to bring an all-star cast to the world of ancient Greek mythology.
A Familiar Tale, but With New Faces
The Odyssey has been adapted for the big screen before, most notably by the Coen Brothers in their 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, which starred George Clooney.
While Nolan’s version promises to be a visually spectacular retelling, fans of the original story are already debating the film’s take on the material, including its historical accuracy and adherence to the myth’s roots.
As production continues, The Odyssey is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2026, drawing attention for both its grand scale and the unique vision Nolan brings to this timeless tale.