LOS ANGELES — In Christopher Nolan’s visually spectacular 2026 epic The Odyssey, Matt Damon’s portrayal of Odysseus features some of the most visceral sword choreography committed to modern film. Yet, in a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the stunt community, many of those grueling battle sequences were not performed by Damon himself, but by a 4-foot-6 powerhouse stuntwoman named Devyn Dalton.

For Dalton, 35, stepping into the armored boots of Greek mythology's most cunning hero required more than just acting chops; it demanded a radical physical transformation. "Stunt doubling for one of Hollywood's leading men is very exciting," Dalton told Women's Health. "I knew I had big shoes to fill, so I really tried to prepare as much as I could."

The Anatomy of a Warrior's Physique

To achieve the brawny aesthetic required for close-up shots of Odysseus wielding his blade, Dalton entered what she describes as "bodybuilding mode." Her regimen involved a strategic bulk phase to maximize muscle hypertrophy, followed by a strict cut phase to reveal the sharp, defined striations seen on the silver screen.

I wanted my arms to be impressive. I went into bodybuilding mode... and then just lifting heavier. It's so empowering when you can finally do your pull-ups. — Devyn Dalton, Stunt Performer

Dalton’s secret weapon? Hybrid training. By fusing heavy strength training with high-intensity conditioning like Muay Thai, kickboxing, and gymnastics, she cultivated a body capable of both explosive power and marathon endurance. "It's almost a sprint, but also a marathon because you'll be doing a project for so long," she explained.

Mastering the Pull-Up

While Dalton utilized kettlebells, cable machines, and dumbbells to isolate her biceps, she insists that calisthenics remain the undisputed king of functional strength. Able to crank out 12 strict pull-ups in a single set and perform clapping push-ups, Dalton champions bodyweight mastery as the foundation of her on-screen athleticism.

Beyond the physical metamorphosis, the role provided Dalton with a profound psychological breakthrough. Having previously battled industry pressures to remain "tiny and slim," portraying a legendary Greek warrior allowed her to fully embrace her muscular frame. "Knowing just how strong you can really get, it gives you a kind of confidence inside that I can't describe," she shared. "I've never felt more feminine and beautiful than I do with my muscles."

From the Set to the Gram

Dalton frequently documents her intense training blocks and behind-the-scenes moments from her global stunt projects on her official Instagram. See her in action below:

Source: Read the full interview and workout breakdown at Women's Health