The Odyssey Stars Matt Damon and Lupita Nyong’o Discuss Their Gluten Free Diets
Image Credit: euronews.com
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Hey Gluten Free Fam,
Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster epic The Odyssey is set to become one of the biggest films of the year, and potentially, the decade. Whilst it’s not the first adaptation of Homer’s poem from over 3,000 years ago, it offers a modern retelling of Greek mythology with Odysseus’s 10-year journey home to Ithaca following the Trojan War.
Having seen the picture at IMAX in Sydney’s Darling Harbour this week, I recommend with confidence this is the format that delivers the best spectacle. Audiences have flocked in great numbers, delivering huge box office returns for The Odyssey around the world.
However, one of the more interesting developments from our point of view has been a couple of revelations from members of the all-star cast during the extensive global press tour. It has not been the first time either actor has gone public, but the tour has provided a fresh insight into their lives off camera and preparation for major roles on screen.
Matt Damon Explains His Gluten Free Journey
Actor Matt Damon, who portrays King Odysseus in the lead role, recently discussed his own gluten free journey during an appearance on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang. With the star coming in for widespread praise for his performance as Oscar buzz intensifies, he went into detail about what it was like working with Nolan and how he had to prepare his body for the gruelling filming process. Without the aid of CGI and leaning into practical effects, he knew his body had to be as fit and agile as possible having entered his 50s.
“It’s a complete, complete lifestyle change,” Damon told Poehler. “No gluten, which changed my life… still no gluten because of what it does to me. I didn’t realise the level to which it was affecting me. It’s completely changed my life when not eating it these past couple of years.”
The 55-year old Oscar winner and Massachusetts native admits there’s struggles embracing the diet change, yet he doesn’t regret the rewards it offers him. “Like, it’s a bummer, I’m a big fan of bread and beer, and pasta and pizza and all that stuff. But how I feel (is so much better).”
Odyssey Co-Star Lupita Nyong’o Won’t Tolerate Gluten Either
43-year old Mexican-born actress Lupita Nyong’o plays the part of Helen in The Odyssey, taking part in an all-star cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Zendaya, John Leguizamo, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Elliot Page and Himesh Patel.
While Damon’s decision to go gluten free is not entirely clear as it pertains to any specific intolerance or diagnosis, the same cannot be said for The Black Panther star. During her press tour for A Quiet Place: Day One in 2024, Nyong’o outlined that she has either a strong intolerance or diagnosis that rules out consuming any gluten.
“I’m gluten free, and I’m dairy free, so unfortunately it was very hard for me (avoiding food options on set),” the actress explained. “Pizza trucks come through and it smells so inviting. But if I eat a single piece of it, my work day would be over.”
Celebrities Opening Up To Gluten Free and Coeliac Life
Jon Bernthal also features as a supporting star in The Odyssey, playing the role of Menelaus, King of Sparta. The 49-year old would open up in greater detail about his personal health and dietary struggles earlier this year. Speaking with Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Bernthal gave a unique insight into his coeliac disease journey.
“I have coeliac disease man,” Bernthal revealed. “For the beginning part of my life, the bathroom was an emergency situation. It plagued me. My whole life, I thought ‘that was just life…’ When I went to Russia after I got back (from filming) I had my blood test and they told me I had this thing called coeliac disease. It’s a whole thing, I get allergic to (gluten). I get skin reactions if I touch it.”
The list of gluten free celebrities continues to expand over time as actors, musicians and athletes delve into their life away from the spotlight, and what it takes to perform at the height of their profession.
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