Matt Damon's Stunt Double Reveals the Physical Reality Behind The Odyssey's Epic Battles

Matt Damon credited his stunt double Devyn Dalton for performing major action scenes in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, including a battle against towering Laestrygonian warriors. While Damon undertook a significant physical transformation to play the mythological hero, the Canadian stuntwoman handled critical sequences that required specialized combat and weapon skills. Damon publicly praised Dalton's athletic abilities on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, calling her arms "the greatest I've ever seen."

The Division of Labor in The Odyssey

During his podcast appearance, Damon explained that his biceps were "almost 100 percent" his own effort, but credited Dalton for the majority of other physical work on screen. The Laestrygonian sequence presented a unique filmmaking challenge: Nolan employed stunt performers of varying heights—some standing 7 feet tall and others under 5 feet—to create the illusion of imposing giants through camera angles rather than computer-generated imagery. Dalton, standing 4 feet 5 inches, was positioned among these performers to achieve the desired visual effect.

Damon's appreciation for his stunt double extended beyond professional acknowledgment. He recalled approaching Dalton in the catering tent when they first met, where he hugged her and thanked her for her contributions. This personal recognition underscores the collaborative nature of modern filmmaking, where lead actors and their stunt counterparts work in tandem to deliver polished action sequences.

A Career Built on Continuous Training

Dalton's involvement in The Odyssey represents the culmination of a 13-year career that began in 2011. Her initial break came with motion-capture work in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, where she spent three weeks undergoing intensive ape training to portray Cornelia. She later reprised motion-capture roles as Cornelius in War for the Planet of the Apes and played Caesar in additional scenes from Rise. Beyond these franchise appearances, Dalton has worked as a stunt double for actress Millie Bobby Brown.

According to the Stunts Unlimited Directory, Dalton's professional skill set encompasses boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, sword fighting, and weapon use on set. She maintains her readiness through daily training regimens that include yoga, weight training, boxing, and weapon work, even during periods without active filming. This constant preparation allows her to accept assignments on short notice—sometimes with only a week's warning before production begins.

In interviews about her role in The Odyssey, Dalton reflected on the broader stunt community, noting that the industry traditionally uses male-centric terminology. "They often say stuntman, but what about stuntwomen?" the 34-year-old told The Post, highlighting her perspective on paving pathways for female performers in a field where gender representation remains an ongoing conversation.