Matt Damon is opening up about how achieving his dramatic physical transformation for Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" "just kind of took over my life."The 55-year-old actor appeared nearly unrecognizable starring legendary Greek hero Odysseus in the mythological epic, which dominated the global box office after its July 17 release with a roughly $264 million opening weekend — the biggest debut of Nolan's career.During a recent appearance on "Live with Kelly and Mark," Damon revealed what it took to fulfill the 55-year-old director's vision for the role.‘THE ODYSSEY’ STAR MATT DAMON REVEALS STRICT DIET CHOICE THAT 'CHANGED MY LIFE' AFTER HIDDEN HEALTH ISSUES"He said, 'I just want him to look lean and strong like somebody who's a veteran of the Trojan War and can handle himself, but wouldn't pass up a meal if it was offered to him,'" Damon recalled Nolan telling him.Matt Damon detailed his intense six-month transformation for "The Odyssey." ( Kristy Sparow/Getty Images for Universal Pictures; Melinda Sue Gordon Universal Studios.All Rights Reserved.)"And that's kind of the hardest shape to get into, you know, that kind of lean-strong thing," the actor added.
"But it just kind of took over my life."In the movie, which is an adaptation of Homer’s epic poem "The Odyssey," Odysseus spends 10 years trying to return home after fighting in the 10-year Trojan War, enduring shipwrecks, battles with monsters, starvation, imprisonment and constant physical hardship on his journey.MATT DAMON REFUSES TO PUT BODY IN 'DANGEROUS' SITUATIONS FOR HOLLYWOOD ROLES AFTER TURNING 50Damon told hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos that he underwent an intense six-month process to realistically portray the weathered, battle-hardened warrior.The "Good Will Hunting" referenced his January appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce's podcast "New Heights," in which he revealed that he had slimmed down to his "high school" weight for the role.While speaking with the NFL stars, Damon shared...