Matt Damon Told Josh Hartnett Not to Gain Any Weight for ‘Oppenheimer’ Role, but Hartnett Had Already Packed on 30 Pounds: ‘Just So Unhelpful’

As a movie buff with a deep appreciation for the behind-the-scenes stories of Hollywood, I find Josh Hartnett‘s anecdote about Matt Damon’s unwitting advice on weight gain for film roles absolutely fascinating. Hartnett’s experience on the set of “Oppenheimer” is a reminder that even the most seemingly harmless pieces of advice from our colleagues can have unexpected consequences.


During an interview on “The Tonight Show” (as reported by Entertainment Weekly), Josh Hartnett shared that Matt Damon gave him advice on the set of “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan, not to put on any weight for his role. However, Hartnett had already gained weight to portray Nobel Prize-winning nuclear physicist Ernest Lawrence. Meanwhile, Damon played Leslie Groves in the film. So, Hartnett was advised against gaining weight after he had already done so.

“Matt provided me with valuable suggestions, but one piece of advice stood out as counterproductive: he discouraged me from putting on the weight I had already gained for the part. I had added around 30 pounds for the role, and his comment was, ‘You won’t be able to lose that again, buddy.’ “

Based on Hartnett’s statements, Damon follows a simple guideline in avoiding weight gain past the age of forty when preparing for film roles due to the significant challenge of losing excess pounds.

In my movie reviewer perspective, Hartnett shared a disheartening observation during the film’s production. He repeated that losing weight and keeping it off would be an endless battle, as our bodies have a natural inclination to regain the lost pounds. I was left feeling discouraged, as if no matter how hard one tries, progress might always be fleeting. Hartnett drove this message home throughout the production process.

Hartnett replied with a smile, “Appreciate it, Matt. Sadly, I’d already acquired that.”

No matter if Hartnett had to put on weight for his role or not, the actor earned critical acclaim and a SAG Award for his performance in “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan. The film went on to win several Oscars, including for Best Picture and Best Director.

Hartnett experienced a significant career comeback following the global box office success of “Oppenheimer,” which raked in an impressive $976 million. This achievement paved the way for his upcoming role in M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller, “Trap.” Additionally, Hartnett made a guest appearance in the acclaimed third season of FX’s Emmy-winning series, “The Bear.”

As a movie enthusiast with a soft spot for thought-provoking dramas, I’d be thrilled to share my excitement about Hartnett’s upcoming interview on “The Tonight Show.” His acting skills have always left me in awe, and I can’t wait to hear more about his life experiences and insights into the film industry. Not to mention, I’m eagerly anticipating the release of “Trap,” which opens in theaters on August 2nd. Universal Pictures never fails to deliver captivating stories, so I have high expectations for this one! So mark your calendars and join me in watching Hartnett’s interview and supporting his latest project.

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2024-07-26 01:46