Matt Damon’s advice to Josh Hartnett: A weighty matter on the set of ‘Oppenheimer’

A surprising revelation on ‘The Tonight Show’

In a recent interview on “The Tonight Show,” Josh Hartnett shared an amusing yet insightful anecdote from the set of Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer”. During the conversation, Hartnett revealed that fellow actor Matt Damon had some unexpected advice regarding his physical preparation for the role. Damon, who played Manhattan Project director Leslie Groves, advised Hartnett against gaining weight for his character, Nobel Prize-winning nuclear physicist Ernest Lawrence. The twist? Hartnett had already gained 30 pounds for the role.

The weighty advice

Hartnett recounted, “Matt gave me a lot of good advice. One in particular — one thing that was just so unhelpful: he told me not to gain the weight I’d already gained for the role.” Damon’s reasoning was rooted in his own experience and a general rule of thumb: “Don’t gain weight over 40” for any movie role because shedding those pounds becomes a Herculean task.

Damon’s advice came with a warning: “You’re gonna spend the rest of your life trying to get that weight off and it’s never gonna come off because your body’s gonna want to get that weight back on. You’re just gonna keep growing back out to that size, and you’re going to try and get it off, but it’s just gonna go back.”

Hartnett’s reaction and the aftermath

Hartnett humorously reflected on the timing of Damon’s advice, saying, “Thanks, Matt. Thanks for telling me this now. I’ve already gained it.” Despite the weight gain, Hartnett’s performance in “Oppenheimer” was widely acclaimed, earning him and the ensemble cast a SAG Award. The film itself was a massive success, grossing $976 million worldwide and winning several Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

A career resurgence

The success of “Oppenheimer” has marked a significant resurgence in Hartnett’s career. He is set to continue this momentum with the release of M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller “Trap”, which opens in theaters on August 2. Additionally, Hartnett made a notable guest appearance in the third season of FX’s Emmy-winning series “The Bear”.

For those interested in exploring more about these projects, you can watch the trailer for “Oppenheimer” here and the trailer for “Trap” here.

Personal reflections on the industry

As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, it’s fascinating to see how actors prepare for their roles and the lengths they go to embody their characters. Hartnett’s story is a testament to the dedication and sometimes the physical sacrifices actors make for their craft. It also highlights the camaraderie and shared wisdom among actors, even if the advice comes a bit too late.

The success of “Oppenheimer” and Hartnett’s subsequent projects underscore the ever-evolving nature of an actor’s career. It’s a reminder that the industry is full of second chances and opportunities for reinvention. For fans of Hartnett, it’s exciting to see him back in the spotlight, delivering compelling performances.

The broader context

In the broader context of cinema, “Oppenheimer” stands out not just for its box office success but also for its critical acclaim. Directed by Christopher Nolan, known for his meticulous attention to detail and complex storytelling, the film delves into the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the ethical dilemmas surrounding the creation of the atomic bomb. The film’s success is a testament to Nolan’s ability to blend historical drama with intense character studies, making it a must-watch for any cinema aficionado.

For those who haven’t yet seen “Oppenheimer”, it’s highly recommended to check out the trailer and immerse yourself in this gripping narrative. The film’s ensemble cast, including Hartnett and Damon, delivers powerful performances that bring this pivotal moment in history to life.

Final thoughts

Hartnett’s anecdote about Damon’s advice adds a human touch to the often glamorized world of Hollywood. It reminds us that behind the scenes, actors face real challenges and make significant sacrifices for their art. As viewers, we can appreciate these efforts and the incredible performances that result from them.

For more insights and updates on the latest in cinema and TV series, stay tuned and keep exploring the fascinating world of entertainment.