Matt Damon's female stunt double for The Odyssey shares what it’s like being in a male-dominated industry
Matt Damon might be one of Hollywood's biggest male action stars, but for several parts of Christopher Nolan's new box-office smash The Odyssey, it was a woman stepping into his shoes.
Boasting a star-studded cast including Damon, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Elliot Page, Charlize Theron, Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson, the action-fantasy flick directed by the cinema legend is based on Homer's epic, following King Odysseus of Ithaca (Damon) on a perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.
Stunt performer Devyn Dalton doubled for the 55-year-old A-lister during production, and while it's not something audiences see every day, she says there's a simple reason why it happens.
"It's definitely a résumé highlight for me! It's not something you see every day, but it does happen," she told LADbible.
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"Stunt performers are chosen for the best physical match, regardless of gender. It's a great reminder that this job is about skill, athleticism and bringing a character to life."
Dalton doubled for Damon during the Laestrygonians scene, where Odysseus and his crew were forced to take on a swarm of giants.
Director Nolan opted for shorter doubles to strike a higher contrast with the much taller opponents on the battlefield.
The stuntwoman, who measures in at four feet six inches, has also unexpectedly found herself making headlines after Damon praised her physique, joking that she had the 'greatest arms' he'd ever seen on the Happy Sad Confused podcast.
Admitting she never expected her biceps to steal the spotlight, Dalton reflected: "I've worked in film for years and have been fortunate to be part of some incredible productions. I never thought my biceps would become my biggest headline... but here we are!
"It was a huge compliment, and it's been a lot of fun."
Landing a role on a blockbuster like The Odyssey, which hit cinemas last Friday (17 July), was clearly another major career moment.
"It's always exciting to be part of a project like this," Dalton shared. "I'm incredibly grateful to be doing what I love and to work alongside talented performers from all over the world. Every project is a chance to learn, grow and create lasting memories."
While fans will no doubt be curious about how a female stunt performer doubled for Damon on screen, Dalton is keeping the movie magic under wraps for anyone who's yet to see it.
"That's something I'd rather leave for audiences to experience themselves. What I can say is that it was an incredible experience, and if you go and see the film, you'll understand why," she teased.
Although stunt work has long been viewed as a male-dominated profession, Dalton believes the industry is moving in the right direction.
"I think it's definitely improving. There are more incredibly talented women doing amazing work than ever before," she continued.
"At the end of the day, this industry rewards people who are reliable, professional and consistently deliver. I've always focused on letting my work speak for itself."
She also hopes her own career encourages other women to consider following the same path, adding: "If my career inspires more women to pursue stunts, that's something I'm really proud of."
"I had an incredible time, and I think audiences are going to have an amazing time experiencing the film for themselves," Dalton resolved.
The Odyssey is currently available to watch in selected cinemas.
Topics: Celebrity, Cinema, TV And Film
Rhiannon Ingle