Matt Damon Shares Surprising Moment Filming ‘The Odyssey’: 750 Soldiers Revealed

Christopher Nolan dedicated two decades to conceptualizing the Trojan Horse sequence, and when ‘The Odyssey’ finally allowed him to bring it to life, he ensured the moment was enveloped in a scale and secrecy that transcended the final cut. The director aimed for a realistic portrayal, opting to depict the horse half-buried in sand on a beach, steering clear of the dramatic entrances seen in earlier adaptations.

This commitment to authenticity extended to the siege sequence itself. Instead of relying on visual effects, Nolan filled the scene with hundreds of real extras, capturing the pivotal moment when Odysseus and his concealed soldiers burst through the gates of Troy to let the Greek army flood in.

Matt Damon, who stars as Odysseus, recently recounted how the sheer scale of that moment took him by surprise during filming. He revealed that neither he nor his co-stars were aware that 750 soldiers awaited them behind the gates until they actually opened them. The cast was only informed they were filming the act of opening the door, leaving them in the dark about what lay beyond.

Damon vividly described the experience, noting that in the dim light, it initially appeared that only Jon Bernthal’s character and a few others were present. Suddenly, that illusion shattered as a roar erupted, and around 500 soldiers charged forward, catching the actors in a genuine, unscripted moment of shock rather than a rehearsed reaction.

This raw, unfiltered surprise aligns perfectly with Nolan’s broader vision for the entire production. The director has previously expressed his desire to authentically capture the claustrophobia and uncertainty of these ancient journeys, utilizing real locations and physical conditions to allow the unpredictability of the environment to influence the actors’ responses.

This is just one of many intriguing details about the creation of the Trojan Horse sequence. CNN has reported that the production constructed the interior of the horse for the actors to physically hide inside, with Damon noting that the sense of claustrophobia during those scenes developed organically rather than through direct direction from Nolan. Elliot Page also features in the sequence as Sinon, the lone Greek left behind to persuade the Trojans that the horse is a genuine offering to the gods.

Critics have already highlighted this scene as one of the most impressive set pieces in Nolan’s career, praising its visceral and grounded approach compared to previous cinematic interpretations of the myth. This is largely attributed to choices such as filming from inside the horse rather than solely depicting the assault from the outside.

For Damon, that unexpected wall of soldiers has clearly left a lasting impression, marking one of the most unforgettable moments from his time working on the film.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!