Matt Damon reveals 34‑year‑old Devyn Dalton was his stunt double in ‘The Odyssey’

Matt Damon, 55, confirmed that a female stunt performer named Devyn Dalton stood in for him during a demanding scene in the 2023 war drama The Odyssey. The revelation, made during a recent interview, has drawn attention to the often‑hidden contributions of stunt professionals and the growing visibility of women in the field.

Core details from the reports

According to a Yahoo report, Damon disclosed that his double for the particular sequence was a 34‑year‑old woman. ELLE and Hollywood Life both identify the stuntwoman as Devyn Dalton, describing her as 35 years old, while CBC and Upworthy cite her age as 34. The discrepancy appears to stem from differing publication dates and the timing of her birthday.

Dalton, a Canadian native, has built a résumé that includes high‑impact work on films such as Wonder Woman 1984 and the Netflix series The Witcher. The stunt involved a physically demanding fight where Damon’s character is forced to lift a heavy object while under fire. Damon praised Dalton’s strength, noting she possessed “the greatest arms I’ve ever seen.”

“She had the greatest arms I’ve ever seen,” Damon said, adding that Dalton’s performance made the scene feel authentic.

The actor’s comments were first reported by The Daily Beast and later echoed by The Times of India, both highlighting his admiration for Dalton’s physicality. For Women First emphasized Damon’s specific compliment about Dalton’s arms, framing it as a rare public acknowledgment of a stunt performer’s technical skill.

In a CBC interview, the outlet highlighted Dalton’s Canadian roots and her journey from a small town in Ontario to Hollywood’s stunt community. She has been a member of the Stuntwomen’s Association of Motion Pictures and has advocated for increased safety standards on set.

Why it matters

The disclosure shines a light on the broader issue of gender representation behind the scenes. While women have long been visible on screen, their roles as stunt doubles for male leads remain relatively rare. Dalton’s involvement challenges the traditional perception that only men can double for physically demanding male roles.

Industry analysts note that stunt work has historically been male‑dominated, with women often limited to doubling for other women. Damon’s public praise may encourage casting directors to consider female stunt talent for a wider range of parts, potentially opening doors for more inclusive hiring practices.

Furthermore, the conversation touches on the physical expectations placed on stunt performers. By specifically calling out Dalton’s “great arms,” Damon underscores the level of strength required, countering any notion that stunt work is merely about choreography without genuine athleticism.

Reactions and differing viewpoints

Fans took to social media to celebrate Dalton’s visibility, with many expressing surprise that a woman performed the stunt. Some commenters praised Damon for shining a spotlight on his double, while others questioned why it took a high‑profile interview for the information to surface.

Critics, cited by The Times of India, argued that focusing on Dalton’s age and physical attributes could inadvertently reduce her to a novelty rather than a professional. They urged media coverage to emphasize her skill set and career achievements.

Conversely, For Women First highlighted the positive impact of a major star publicly acknowledging a female stunt performer’s prowess, suggesting it could inspire younger women to pursue stunt careers.

What’s next for Dalton and the industry

Following the media buzz, Dalton is slated to appear in upcoming action projects, including the sequel to the sci‑fi thriller Edge of Tomorrow. She has also been invited to speak at the annual Stunt Safety Summit, where she plans to discuss the importance of proper training and gender equity in stunt casting.

Matt Damon’s endorsement may influence other actors to credit their stunt teams more openly. Industry insiders predict that studios could incorporate stunt‑double acknowledgments into promotional materials, a practice that has been rare but is gaining momentum.

As conversations about representation and safety continue, Dalton’s profile serves as a tangible example of how behind‑the‑scenes talent can shape on‑screen storytelling.