Behind Devyn Dalton’s Training: The Stunt Double with "The Greatest Arms"

Devyn Dalton's career spans notable projects, including Hypnotic and The Electric State, but her recent role as Matt Damon’s stunt double in The Odyssey has thrust her into the limelight. In the film's marketing, it's Dalton's arms that portray Damon’s character Odysseus, earning her accolades from the Oscar winner himself, who remarked on her extraordinary physique, stating, "She has the greatest arms I've ever seen."

This attention sparked an inquiry into the fitness regimen that cultivates her impressive biceps. Speaking with M&F Hers, Dalton reflected on her lifelong passion for movement. "I've always been active, starting with dance at a young age," she explained. "My fitness journey evolved as I transitioned into stunt work, which felt like a natural progression for me. It blends passion for acting, movement, athletics, and storytelling." As someone who stands at 4’6”, Dalton has unique versatility, doubling for various characters, from children to mythical beasts. This adaptability, combined with her extensive physical training, has allowed her to tackle unconventional roles throughout her career.

Expanding Horizons in Film

Dalton's pivotal experience came during her time with the Planet of the Apes series. In addition to donning a chimpanzee costume in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, she made history as the first female to portray the character Cornelia. Her involvement in the franchise didn't stop there; she returned for War for the Planet of the Apes, providing both motion capture and vocalization for the characters she represented. "That experience revolutionized my understanding of character-building," Dalton shared. "It was physical, often demanding movements that are unnatural for the human body, but I thrived in that environment. Crafting the physicality of a character and voicing their emotions was extraordinary."

This experience not only showcased her talent but also challenged the industry's stereotypes about what a stunt performer can achieve. Dalton’s role highlighted a broader movement in Hollywood towards more diverse representations, particularly for women in action roles. It's not just about physical prowess; it's about depth, emotion, and the fusion of disciplines to create compelling narratives.

Praise from Matt Damon

Dalton’s reliability didn’t go unnoticed. "I remember waking up in New Zealand to a flurry of notifications, all because Damon had been discussing my arms on the HappySadConfused podcast," she recalled. During the discussion, Damon expressed admiration for Dalton's work, emphasizing the significance of female stunt performers in leading roles traditionally held by men. “Getting to double for someone like Matt was surreal,” she stated. "It’s inspiring to see a shift in the industry." She noted Damon’s approachable nature; despite his celebrity status, he remained grounded, attentive to intricacies in their collaborative process.

Training Philosophy

When it comes to her fitness routine, Dalton champions bodyweight exercises. "They're incredibly effective and can be done almost anywhere," she stated. "Pull-ups, chin-ups, dips, and push-ups have been my go-to for building upper-body strength. I also engage in boxing to enhance endurance and arm definition; it's dynamic and fun." In her gym sessions, Dalton favors cable machines, appreciating their capability to maintain constant muscle tension and allow work from various angles. She recommends two upper-body workouts weekly, spaced out with recovery days, emphasizing that progress isn’t about daily strain in the gym but rather consistency and proper nutrition.

This focus on bodyweight training not only strengthens her physically but also connects to her journey of empowerment, especially following her past experiences with adversity. The physical demands of acting and stunt work have also bestowed Dalton with invaluable mental fortitude. Sharing a deeply personal experience, she reflected on overcoming significant challenges: "I faced extreme physical and mental domestic violence in my twenties. Engaging in martial arts helped me reclaim my strength and confidence. It's vital for women to possess self-defense skills; it empowers and instills a sense of capability." This sentiment resonates deeply, particularly in today's climate where self-defense training is increasingly recognized as a form of personal empowerment.

Implications and Future Outlook

Dalton's ascent shines a light on the shifting dynamics of the stunt performer landscape, where women increasingly step into roles traditionally occupied by men. Her work raises questions about visibility and representation in the industry, especially for individuals from diverse backgrounds. If you're working in this space, her journey serves as a compelling testament to the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and challenging stereotypes.

What's next for Dalton remains a question worth pondering. With her acute awareness of character-building and tenacity, she clearly has a bright future ahead. Will we see more emphasis on female action roles, bolstered by Dalton’s successful career? Here's the thing: as barriers continue to break down, the industry could become more inclusive, allowing for a wider range of narratives and universal stories that resonate with audiences across demographics.

For more insights into Dalton's journey, follow her on Instagram here.