Devyn Dalton, a 4-foot-6 stuntwoman, served as Matt Damon’s double during a towering Laestrygonian giant sequence in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film The Odyssey
, earning praise from the star for her exceptional physical conditioning.
Blockbuster films often rely on practical filmmaking techniques rather than computer-generated imagery to establish scale. In Christopher Nolan’s Greek epic The Odyssey
, which premiered in theaters on July 15, 2026, filmmakers used actors and stunt performers of varying heights to construct the illusion of the man-eating Laestrygonians confronting the crew of Odysseus.
The film has enjoyed an enormous theatrical run. The Odyssey opened with a massive global weekend, amid that commercial success, the behind-the-scenes contributions of the stunt department have captured public attention.
Matt Damon Praises His Stunt Double on Podcast
Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused
podcast, Matt Damon discussed the perspective fight sequences involving the giant tribe. The production cast stunt performers standing seven feet tall alongside performers under five feet tall to alter the visual scale on screen.
Damon specifically highlighted the contributions of his primary double, a professional stuntwoman standing four feet and six inches tall whose upper-body strength immediately impressed him when they met in the catering tent during production.
“My double was a woman, a female stunt performer who had the greatest arms I’ve ever seen. When she came into the catering tent, it was the first time I met her. I went up and hugged her and thanked her for all the work she put in. There are those shots where you see these giants looming over me [and that’s her]. It was almost 100% my arms in the movie, but you got to give it up where it’s due.”
Matt Damon, via Deadline
Behind the Stunt Work of Devyn Dalton
The stunt performer began performing before eventually transitioning into stunt work.
Her extensive resume includes work on major productions such as X-Men: Dark Phoenix
and the Planet of the Apes
franchise alongside motion-capture roles.
To prepare for The Odyssey
, Dalton adjusted her routine to place extra emphasis on upper-body strength and nutrition, complementing her regular training regimen of strength exercises, mixed with martial arts and outdoor activities like hiking and running.
Viral Attention and the Stunt Community Spotlight
After Damon’s podcast appearance circulated online, Dalton’s phone won’t stop ringing
with messages. She admitted she never expected the public praise from Hollywood’s leading man.
“Rahang saya benar-benar terjatuh.”
Devyn Dalton, via Media Indonesia
Dalton expressed gratitude to director Christopher Nolan and the entire cast and crew, noting that she was thrilled to see increased conversation surrounding the rigorous physical demands of stunt performers.
Stunt Recognition on the Horizon
The sudden spotlight on Dalton arrives at a pivotal time for industry recognition.
“It’s about time. I’m so excited for stunts to be recognized at that high level because of the amount of skill it takes to execute these stunts and all these films. … I hope one day I get to be in that room as well.”
Devyn Dalton, via Los Angeles Times
The addition of this new category ensures that the technical expertise and physical risks taken by stunt performers are finally acknowledged by the Academy.
Worth a look
- Diablo IV Reportedly Coming to Nintendo Switch 2 in September 2026
- Brenda Fricker: Oscar-winning actress laid to rest in Dublin’s Liberties
- Emily Wilson Critiques Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey in New Essay (newsy-today.com)
- Family of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra Files $50M Wrongful Death Lawsuit in NY (archynewsy.com)
