If you’ve seen Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation of “The Odyssey” and found yourself wondering what Matt Damon did in the gym to gain those massive biceps, you’re asking the wrong question.
When Odysseus was battling Laestrygonians on his 10-year deathly journey, it was actually Devyn Dalton leading the charge: a 4-foot-5 stuntwoman who, according to Damon, “had the greatest arms I’ve ever seen.”
Dalton, a Canadian-born actor, stunt performer, motion-capture artist, voice actor and dancer, told The Post that she has always been in love with movement and storytelling, eventually finding a way to blend both in her extensive and impressive career.
©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
“They often say stuntman, but what about stuntwomen? It’s been a really long journey paving the way,” the 34-year-old told The Post.
Dalton posing with the 7-foot-tall stunt double she’s in the film’s promo picture with.
Dalton, above, as Damon’s stunt double in “The Odyssey.”
The tiny-but-mighty actress got her start in the stunt world right out of high school, landing the role of Cornelia in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” in 2011.
It was there that she was initiated into the world of motion capture, undergoing three weeks of intensive “ape training” for the physically demanding role, which required her to act on all fours the entire time.
Dalton as Odysseus in the film’s promo picture.
While she admitted the challenge of portraying an ape’s raw emotions while maintaining such rigorous movement, she said that combining acting and physicality is her “favorite thing to do.”
She continued to shine in the franchise, playing Cornelius in “War for the Planet of the Apes” and Caesar in some scenes of “Rise.”
Dalton’s impressive resume included playing Cornelius in “War for the Planet of the Apes.”
As her career progressed, she never stopped training. Being a stunt double means constantly adding new skills to her arsenal, from martial arts to film fighting and weapon work.
“Physically, I’m always ready to go because you get the phone call and have to be ready,” she told The Post. “Sometimes you only get a week’s notice.”
Dalton has been doing stunt work since 2011.
Dalton explained to The Post that she hits the gym every day, whether it be yoga, weight training, boxing, or weapon work, even when she isn’t filming because she never knows when she’ll get a call for a job and has to stay stuntwoman-ready.
Securing a major role in “The Odyssey” was the culmination of years of experience and a hard-earned reputation. Dalton, who built her career from the ground up without industry connections, said trust is the most vital asset in her field.
“Opportunities like this come from building trust and [having] a strong reputation in the industry. It doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes so long and I spent my entire career [preparing] for this,” she explained.
With over 60 acting credits now under her belt, including “The Last of Us” and “Godzilla,” Dalton has proven herself as a dedicated talent.
When the call came for “The Odyssey,” she immediately hit the gym with a trainer to sharpen her strength and combat skills. While she can’t spoil the secrets of the set just yet as promo builds, she hopes to share more behind-the-scenes social content soon.
Dalton (R) on set of “The Odyssey.”
Dalton did reveal that her stature was one of her strengths.
Facing off against 7-foot-tall stunt doubles created a natural “forced perspective” in fight scenes, or what she better calls “movie magic.” (Yes, that’s her in the film’s promo pic.)
While the scenes were physically demanding, staying in tip-top shape certainly helped — and sharing the room with A-list stars forced her to “level up and be a genius.”
“I’m so overwhelmed that (Matt Damon) gave a shoutout into how it works,” Dalton told The Post, and expressed her elation for the light being shone on stuntwomen. “It’s about time more information comes out about this.”
A behind-the-scenes glimpse into filming of “The Odyssey.” ©Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection
After meeting Dalton, Damon revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he “hugged her, and thanked her for all the work she had put in.” During the conversation, the Academy Award-winning actor pointed out that there are many shots in the movie where giants appear to be looming over him, but really, they were looming over Dalton.
The stuntwoman expressed to The Post her appreciation for not only her role in the film, but for being a catalyst for women with strong, powerful bodies that are finally being appreciated.
In her industry, body image is a huge barrier, but she said being able to play these amazing characters as a woman is empowering.
“There’s been a lot of women who have opened the doors, but it’s an ongoing battle always,” Dalton told The Post. “I hope to continue to pave the way for that.”
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