Matt Damon reveals why Ben Affleck heard about 'The Odyssey' casting before his wife
Los Angeles, July 23
Hollywood actor Matt Damon has revealed that the first person he spoke to after landing the lead role in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' was not his wife, but longtime friend and actor Ben Affleck, according to People.
During an appearance on 100 Questions with Tom Simons alongside co-star Tom Holland, Damon recalled trying to share the news first with his wife, Luciana Damon, but said she was unable to answer his call.
"So I immediately called my wife," Damon said, adding that Luciana was in a Zoom meeting and could not pick up.
Damon then turned to his longtime friend. "I called Ben Affleck," he said.
When asked how Affleck reacted, Damon replied, "Oh, he freaked out. I was on the phone with him for about a half an hour," according to People.
The actor said he later received a text message from his wife asking, "Why didn't you tell me first?" Damon explained that Affleck and Luciana happened to be in the same building, and Affleck had rushed into her office to share the news before Damon could speak to her.
Tom Holland, who portrays Odysseus' son Telemachus in the film, also shared who he informed first after joining the project.
"I was just through the roof with excitement," Holland said. "She was the first person I told," referring to his wife and co-star Zendaya.
Holland said he wanted to tell Zendaya because Christopher Nolan is one of her favourite directors and she greatly admires his 2014 sci-fi epic 'Interstellar', according to People.
'The Odyssey', directed by Christopher Nolan, is an adaptation of Homer's epic poem. Damon stars as Odysseus, while Zendaya plays Athena. The film also features Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Elliot Page as Sinon, Lupita Nyong'o as Clytemnestra, Benny Safdie as Agamemnon, Mia Goth as Melantho and John Leguizamo as Eumaeus.
The film follows Odysseus' perilous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, where he encounters mythical beings including the Cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens and Calypso, according to People.
'The Odyssey' is currently playing in theatres.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Big fan of Christopher Nolan here! While Matt Damon's casting is great news, I'm more excited about the ensemble cast—Anne Hathaway as Penelope, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page—it's like a dream team. And Tom Holland telling Zendaya first is so sweet; they're like a modern-day power couple. That said, I wish we got more Indian actors in these epics, but still hyped!
Okay but imagine being Luciana, stuck in a Zoom meeting while your husband is giving away the biggest news of your life to your neighbour! 😂 Poor thing had to hear it from Ben. Matt Damon seems like a genuine guy though, and it's refreshing to see these stars share such relatable, funny moments. Also, Zendaya as Athena? That's perfect casting!
This is hilarious. 😄 It's like that Bollywood trope where the hero tells his best friend first, then the family drama follows. But seriously, the fact that Ben ran to Luciana's office shows how close these two are—real friendship. Can't wait to see Matt Damon as Odysseus. Nolan always delivers, and 'The Odyssey' is a perfect fit for his style.
Honestly, as an Indian audience, I appreciate these light-hearted Hollywood stories. But I also wonder—why not cast more international actors in such epics? The Greek myths are universal. Nevertheless, Tom Holland and Zendaya are adorable, and Matt Damon is a legend. I'll definitely be watching this!
A Arun Y I have a We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.