Matt Damon Admits Interstellar Left Him in Tears
Matt Damon opens up about the emotional impact of Interstellar, his top pick among Christopher Nolan’s films, and shares insights into their next big project, The Odyssey.
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, a space epic that’s become a modern classic, clearly struck a chord with Matt Damon. The Oscar-winning actor, who made a memorable appearance as the untrustworthy Dr Mann in the 2014 film, recently shared just how deeply the story affected him. Interstellar, led by Matthew McConaughey, follows a group of astronauts venturing through a wormhole near Saturn, searching for a new home for humanity. The film, with a hefty $165 million budget, pulled in more than $773 million worldwide and has been praised for its emotional depth as much as its mind-bending science.
While out spruiking his latest Netflix thriller, The Rip, Damon was asked to name his favourite Nolan film. After tossing up between a few, including the dream-hopping Inception, he settled on Interstellar. Damon explained,
"I love them all is the truth. Interstellar, I watched again when it was re-released and I don't think I could see it the first time because I was in it — a small role, but I was still in it and had read the script within a year of seeing it, so I don't think I really saw it.
I remember the experience of reading the script and sobbing, because I think it's about a father missing the life of his daughter and my kids were young, and that was such a terrifying thought to me that it really moved me. I had that experience again watching the film a decade later. I was really moved by that one."
Family, Time, and Heartbreak in Space
The emotional punch of Interstellar comes from its focus on family, particularly the bond between a father and his daughter. The story’s main character, Joseph Cooper, played by McConaughey, is forced to leave his children behind on Earth for a mission that ends up lasting nearly a century due to the effects of time dilation. By the time he returns, his son has passed away and his daughter, Murph, is on her deathbed. Damon, himself a father, found this aspect of the story especially moving, both when reading the script and watching the film years later.
It’s this human element, set against the backdrop of cosmic adventure, that Damon reckons makes Interstellar stand out among Nolan’s works. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time clearly hit home for him, and he’s not alone—plenty of punters have found themselves unexpectedly emotional by the end credits.
Nolan and Damon Reunite for The Odyssey
Looking ahead, Damon and Nolan are teaming up once more for a new adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, set to hit cinemas this summer. This will be their third collaboration, following Interstellar and last year’s Oppenheimer, where Damon played General Leslie Groves opposite Cillian Murphy’s J. Robert Oppenheimer. This time, Damon takes the lead as Odysseus, the legendary King of Ithaca, on his long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War.
The Odyssey is shaping up to be Nolan’s most ambitious project yet, filmed entirely in IMAX and featuring a star-studded cast including Charlize Theron, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Jon Bernthal, and Robert Pattinson. The production has taken the team across several continents, aiming to bring the ancient tale to life with a fresh, cinematic flair. Damon, reflecting on the experience, said,
"It was absolutely the pinnacle of my entire career. I loved every minute of it. I just loved it."
Stay in the Loop for More Nolan News
For those keen on Nolan’s films or curious about Damon’s next moves, there’s plenty to look forward to. With The Odyssey promising to be a visual and emotional spectacle, and Damon’s candid reflections on his past roles, fans have good reason to stay tuned for more updates, casting news, and behind-the-scenes stories as the release date approaches.