Robert Pattinson Reveals Matt Damon's Unusual Voice Preparation Method on Odyssey Set

Robert Pattinson revealed that Matt Damon employed an unconventional vocal technique on the set of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, deliberately screaming to sound older and more battle-worn. The preparation, combined with a dramatic weight loss, demonstrates the actor's commitment to embodying the character of Odysseus. The film arrives in cinemas July 17.

The Vocal Preparation Incident

During production of The Odyssey, Pattinson discovered Damon engaging in repeated screaming sessions inside an adjacent trailer. Initially concerned, Pattinson believed the actor was either in distress or involved in a heated phone conversation. "I thought he was a complete psycho," Pattinson recounted during an MTV U.K. video interview. "He was just screaming and screaming and screaming."

Upon investigation, Pattinson learned that Damon was deliberately straining his vocal cords to age his voice for the role. Pattinson expressed both amusement and concern at the method: "He is such a nice guy... He was just blowing his voice out just to sound older. Like, really, you're taking years off your life by doing this." Co-star Tom Holland also witnessed the preparation work and praised Damon's dedication, calling his vocal training "amazing."

Physical Transformation

Damon's preparation extended far beyond vocal work. The actor revealed on the "New Heights" podcast that he reduced his body weight to 167 pounds for the production—a figure he described as the lightest since his high school years. This represented a loss of approximately 18 to 33 pounds from his typical weight range of 185 to 200 pounds.

Director Christopher Nolan specifically requested a lean physique while maintaining physical strength. Damon attributed the transformation partly to dietary changes, including the elimination of gluten. The actor paired strict nutritional discipline with intensive training regimens throughout filming.

The total commitment marks a departure from previous roles where Damon gained weight. For his 2009 performance in "The Informant," he deliberately added 30 pounds through unconventional dietary methods, consuming fast food, dark beer, and processed snacks between takes. This time, the direction reversed entirely, demanding a disciplined reduction rather than indulgence.