Matt Damon praises female stunt double’s biceps on ‘Odyssey’ set
The actor revealed the stunt performer who replaced him in a key scene is a woman whose arms he described as the most impressive he’s ever seen.
- Matt Damon praised his female stunt double’s biceps, calling them the greatest he's seen.
- The stunt performer handled a demanding wire‑assisted fight sequence for ‘The Odyssey’.
- Industry voices see the comment as a boost for gender diversity in stunt casting.
- The film’s release is set for early 2027, with a behind‑the‑scenes feature planned.
Lede
During promotion for the upcoming sci‑fi thriller The Odyssey, Matt Damon disclosed that a female stunt performer stood in for him during a physically demanding sequence. He singled out the stunt double’s biceps, calling them the "greatest arms I’ve ever seen," a comment that has sparked both admiration and discussion about gender dynamics in Hollywood’s stunt community.
Core developments
In a series of interviews that appeared across entertainment outlets, Damon explained that the production required a performer capable of executing a high‑intensity fight and a series of complex wire work. The crew ultimately hired a woman whose muscular build matched the character’s requirements. Entertainment Weekly reported that Damon first met the stunt double during rehearsals and was immediately impressed by her strength.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Damon highlighted the decision as a practical one: the stunt required a combination of agility, endurance, and raw power that the actress possessed in abundance. He said the choice was not driven by a desire to make a statement about gender, but rather by the need for the "greatest arms" to safely pull off the stunt.
"She has the greatest arms I’ve ever seen," Damon said, adding that the performer’s physique allowed the team to choreograph the sequence without compromising safety.
People.com
Other outlets, including KOMO and Nine.com.au, echoed the same narrative, noting that Damon’s praise was public and enthusiastic. The stunt double, whose name has not been disclosed in the reports, performed the full sequence, which involved a high‑speed chase on a moving platform and a series of hand‑to‑hand combat moves that would have been hazardous for the lead actor.
Why it matters
The revelation shines a light on an often‑overlooked segment of the film industry: stunt performers, many of whom are women, yet rarely receive mainstream recognition. Historically, stunt work has been male‑dominated, with women often relegated to minor or double‑doubles for female leads. Damon’s public acknowledgment challenges that norm and could encourage producers to consider more gender‑diverse casting for physically demanding roles.
Moreover, the comment arrives at a time when Hollywood is under scrutiny for its representation practices. Industry groups such as Women in Stunts have campaigned for greater visibility and equitable pay. By highlighting a female performer’s physical prowess, Damon inadvertently adds weight to those calls, suggesting that talent, not gender, should dictate casting decisions for stunt work.
From a safety perspective, the decision underscores the importance of matching stunt requirements with the most qualified talent, regardless of gender. The stunt involved wire‑assisted lifts and a simulated fall from a height of roughly 12 feet, maneuvers that demand precise muscular control. Selecting a performer with the described “greatest arms” helped mitigate risk for both the actor and crew.
Differing viewpoints and reactions
Reactions among industry insiders have been largely positive. A spokesperson for the stunt performers’ union, quoted in KOMO, praised Damon for giving due credit and said the acknowledgment could inspire younger women to pursue stunt careers. Conversely, some critics, as noted in a commentary piece on Entertainment Weekly, cautioned that focusing on the stunt double’s physique might inadvertently reduce her to a novelty rather than a professional athlete.
Social media users echoed both sentiments. Fans applauded Damon’s enthusiasm, with hashtags like #GreatestArms trending briefly after the interview clips circulated. Others argued that while the praise is welcome, it should be accompanied by concrete steps—such as hiring more female stunt talent and ensuring equal pay—to effect lasting change.
Even within the film’s own promotional team, there is a nuanced take. A producer, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, emphasized that the stunt double’s inclusion was part of a broader effort to diversify the crew, not a singular token gesture. The producer added that the decision was based on a rigorous audition process that evaluated strength, flexibility, and stunt experience.
What’s next
The Odyssey is slated for a worldwide release in early 2027, and the stunt sequence featuring the female double will be a centerpiece of the film’s marketing push. Trailers already highlight the high‑octane action, and the studio plans to release a behind‑the‑scenes featurette that will spotlight the stunt performer’s preparation and training regimen.
Beyond the film, industry observers anticipate that Damon’s public endorsement may influence casting directors on future productions. If studios see a positive audience response, they may be more inclined to hire women for traditionally male‑oriented stunt roles.
Finally, advocacy groups have indicated they will monitor the outcomes of this publicity, measuring whether it translates into more hiring opportunities and better compensation for female stunt professionals. The conversation sparked by Damon’s comment could become a benchmark for how Hollywood acknowledges and rewards the physical talent that underpins its biggest action set pieces.