“This Is Bourne Identity Kind Of Territory”: Christopher Nolan's Major Action Scenes In The Odyssey & Matt Damon’s Prep Teased By Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck teases Christopher Nolan's major action scenes in The Odyssey and Matt Damon's prep, calling it "Bourne Identity kind of territory." Nolan's next movie, which started filming in late February, is an adaptation of the epic Ancient Greek poem by Homer that follows Odysseus, the legendary king of Ithaca, on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War. Playing Odysseus is Matt Damon who, over two decades ago, starred in The Bourne Identity, one of the most influential action movies ever made.

In a new profile by GQ, while discussing his own training for The Accountant 2, Ben Affleck teased his lifelong friend Matt Damon's prep for Christopher Nolan's new movie. Affleck says Damon is "doing a lot of stunt rehearsal" for The Odyssey, which he hasn't done in a long time, comparing the fights to 2002's The Bourne Identity. Read Affleck's full comments below:

It’s one of the things I was talking to Matt about—he’s going off to do this Chris Nolan movie and doing a lot of stunt rehearsal, and it was kind of like, Boy, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? Where you really have to go learn the fights—this is Bourne Identity kind of territory.

What Matt Damon's Prep Means For The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan Is Returning To Action

After his thrilling historical epic Oppenheimer, which made nearly $1 billion at the box office and won Best Picture, was comprised mostly of characters talking in rooms, Christopher Nolan is returning to the action genre with his next movie, The Odyssey. The amount of action should be comparable to some of his past films, such as Tenet, Dunkirk, or even The Dark Knight trilogy. Homer's epicfollows Odysseus on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War as he encounters the cyclops Polyphemus, the Sirens, and the witch goddess Circe, which should result in some stunning action sequences on screen.

10 Best Christopher Nolan Action Scenes, Ranked

Christopher Nolan has earned a reputation as a director of intelligent, original blockbusters, and his best action scenes deliver spectacular thrills.

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The Bourne Identity is an interesting reference point for The Odyssey's action. Released in 2002, The Bourne Identity is widely considered one of the most influential action movies ever made. It reshaped the way Hollywood approached action filmmaking in the 21st century – introducing a more grounded, realistic, and intense style that moved away from the over-the-top, effects-heavy action of the 1990s. Nolan, known for his own preference for practical effects, combined with his use of new IMAX film technology, could make The Odyssey an equally influential action movie.

Our Take On The Odyssey's Action

There Is Some Great Potential

With Nolan's past action movies emphasizing practical stunts and intricate choreography, The Odyssey could blend Bourne-style hand-to-hand combat with large-scale, mythological spectacle. The escape from the Cyclops could feature brutal, close-quarters fighting, while the Sirens' deadly song could create a tense, psychological struggle at sea. Circe's enchanted battle may showcase some magical-infused combat with a grounded intensity. If Nolan leans into The Bourne Identity's visceral action, The Odyssey could redefine epic fantasy filmmaking.

The Odyssey is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 17, 2026.

Source: GQ