theathleticuk
On the far-flung sets of Christopher Nolan's epic The Odyssey, Matt Damon and Jimmy Gonzales, who portrays a warrior in Odysseus's crew, developed a pre-take ritual. Whenever their characters had to flee from mythical threats during the arduous journey from Troy to Ithaca, the two actors would sprint.
Along Iceland's southern coast, Gonzales recalled completing a dozen exhausting sprints on a foggy, dark-sand beach. The biting cold and the strain on his hamstrings were intense, yet that didn't stop the pair from exchanging playful jabs between takes.
Overhearing their banter, another cast member stepped forward. Sporting a long red beard, Sean Avery declared, 'I'm going to smoke you guys.' Cast as Laodamas, one of Odysseus's brawny, helmeted warriors, Avery lined up behind Damon and Gonzales for the next take. As filming began, he burst forward, easily overtaking both. Gonzales remembered Damon's immediate, impressed reaction: 'That is what a professional athlete can do.'
Avery's hockey pedigree is well-documented. Over a 10-season, 580-game NHL career with the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and Dallas Stars, he amassed 1,533 penalty minutes—more than six times his 247 career points—and was a constant source of controversy. His infamous tactic of screening Martin Brodeur during the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs led to a mid-series rule change by the league. Since his final NHL game in December 2011, Avery has remained in the public eye, appearing on Dancing with the Stars in 2014, authoring a memoir in 2017, and co-writing a hockey romance novel in 2025. His personal life drew scrutiny in 2022 when his wife filed for divorce and obtained a restraining order, though they have since reconciled, and no charges were filed.
Avery's post-playing career has taken an unexpected turn toward acting, with roles in 11 feature films, including Nolan's last three. In Oppenheimer, he shared significant screen time with Damon and Cillian Murphy in a heated argument. For The Odyssey, Avery spent six months filming across Greece, Scotland, Iceland, Morocco, and Sicily, enduring physical demands like hiking in armor and rowing courses. He described the experience as the most extensive production he'd encountered, fueling his desire for more roles.
Key Analysis
Avery's transition from hockey enforcer to Nolan regular is a testament to his adaptability and connections. His initial acting foray in The Rocket (2005) was followed by a long hiatus, but a role in Patriots Day (2016) reignited his passion. He credits five years of acting classes in New York for honing his craft. A chance acquaintance with Nolan's casting director, John Papsidera, through Dancing with the Stars led to a small part in Tenet (2020) and larger roles since. Avery's on-set reputation as a jokester and his athleticism have made him a favorite, with Nolan trusting him in high-stakes scenes.
In The Odyssey, Avery has several standout moments, including saving Odysseus by pulling him onto a boat. The film's success, projected to surpass $1 billion globally, has brought him renewed attention from hockey friends like Brendan Shanahan. Looking ahead, Avery has roles in upcoming TV shows and continues to audition for major projects, confident in his abilities. His journey from the penalty box to the silver screen is a remarkable storyline, blending his competitive nature with a newfound artistic pursuit.
Originally reported by theathleticuk.