Matt Damon: Major Lifestyle Change for Odysseus Role

has revealed what it took to get him into shape to play Odysseus in 's film. 

The actor, 55, leads the all-star cast in The Odyssey, set for release in US and UK cinemas on July 17.  

In a new interview on the podcast Good Hang with , Matt spoke about how he had to have a 'complete' lifestyle change as he slimmed down to 167lbs from his usual 185–200lbs because Christopher wanted Odysseus 'strong and lean'. 

'It's way different to be getting jacked in your 50s. It's really hard. It's just a complete, complete lifestyle change,' he said. 

'Just put your feet on the gas and that's it. And that's the only way to do it and eat a little less no gluten, which changed my life.'

Matt said he has still maintained his gluten free diet. He explained: 'I didn't realise the level to which it was affecting me and affecting my life. It's completely changed my life these last couple of years of not eating it.

'It's a bummer. I'm a big fan of bread and beer and you know pasta and pizza and all that stuff but how I feel is just so much better. 

Guided by trainer Jason Walsh, Matt's fitness regimen consisted of bodyweight movements and weighted pull-ups.

Matt plays the Greek King of Ithaca, in the film. The story follows his long and arduous journey home after the Trojan War to reunite with his wife and son.

Of the film, Matt said: 'What I love about this movie and about the script. Like he is, he's a really underrated writer. 

'I think, Chris, because he's such a brilliant director that it kind of overshadows his writing... And thematically, this touches on so much.

'The physical discomfort in making this movie that everybody, everybody had to go through the entire crew. So the experience of doing this movie, though, it was the hardest movie that I've ever done by far, was so joyful.' 

The film has been met with huge praise in critics' first reactions after the global premiere in London on Monday.

Critics rushed to social media to hail Nolan's 13th feature as 'flawless filmmaking', with the praise also extending to the all-star cast. 

In the forthcoming epic, Tom Holland plays Telemachus — the prince of Ithaca and the son of Odysseus and Penelope in Greek mythology.

His mythological parents are played by Matt and Anne Hathaway.

Lupita Nyong'o plays dual roles, starring as Helen of Troy - who is known for being the most beautiful woman in the world - as well as her sister Clytemnestra.

Her husband Menelaus, the king of Sparta, is portrayed by Bernthal.

His wife Helen being abducted by the Trojan prince Paris - as well as Menelaus later learning she actually betrayed him, fleeing with Paris by choice - triggers the legendary Trojan War in Greek mythology.

Robert Pattinson as Antinous, a suitor of Penelope.

Charlize Theron plays Calypso, the nymph who Odysseus encounters on his perilous journey away from his family.

The ensemble cast also includes Benny Safdie, Mia Goth, Travis Scott, Elliot Page and many, many more.

Tom's wife Zendaya also stars in the film, playing the part of the goddess Athena.