Matt Damon details intense transformation behind ‘The Odyssey'

Matt Damon is shedding light on the grueling transformation he went through to bring his The Odyssey character to life.

The actor, who played the legendary Greek king Odysseus in Christopher Nolan’s epic film adaptation, revealed he endured an intense routine for six-months to be able to portray the character. 

During a recent appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, the 55-year-old actor said the director wanted him to appear "lean and strong" like a battle-hardened warrior, leading him to follow a highly disciplined fitness regime.

"He said, 'I just want him to look lean and strong like somebody who's a veteran of the Trojan War and can handle himself, but wouldn't pass up a meal if it was offered to him,'" Damon recalled.

"And that's kind of the hardest shape to get into, you know, that kind of lean-strong thing," he added. "But it just kind of took over my life."

In the movie, which is an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus spends 10 years trying to return home after fighting in the 10-year Trojan War, enduring shipwrecks, battles with monsters, starvation, imprisonment and constant physical hardship on his journey.

To realistically portray the weathered, battle-hardened warrior he went on to maintain a strict gluten-free diet, and slim down to 167 pound, same as his high school weight.

Damon shared that every aspect of his diet was carefully measured. He shared that giving up foods like bread, pasta, and beer was one of the biggest challenges.

The Martian actor added that he has continued the gluten-free lifestyle after filming because it made him feel healthier.