Matt Damon breaks character on the set of 14th century epic The Last Duel as he takes a phone call

He plays a 14th century knight who embarks on a fight to the death with a former acquaintance in his latest historical drama.

But Matt Damon took a quick break from his role as Jean de Carrouges as he made a phone call on the set of The Last Duel at Bective Abbey in Ireland on Monday.

The Oscar-winning actor, 49, got into character as he donned a black robe and sported a mullet-inspired hairstyle and beard, while surrounded by extras clad in period garb.

Bringing a very modern addition to the set, the star whipped out his smartphone to make the brief call. 

The Good Will Hunting actor was also seen chatting to a crew member while holding what appeared to be a mask.

In line with COVID-19 regulations, the crew were wearing masks as they filmed dramatic new scenes.

Extras were seen rowing a boat behind Damon with another actor tending to some goats.

Adapted from Eric Jager’s book of the same name, The Last Duel follows the true story of Jean de Carrouges (Damon), a 14th century knight who embarks on a fight to the death with former friend Jacques Le Gris (Driver) after accusing him of raping his wife.   

Jodie Comer plays Marguerite de Carrouges, the woman at the centre of the fight in the Ridley Scott-directed epic.

The Last Duel marks the first return of Damon’s writing partnership with Ben Affleck since their award-winning script for Good Will Hunting.  

Matt co-wrote the screenplay alongside Nicole Holofcener and his longstanding writing partner Ben, the latter is also starring in the film, although he wasn’t seen on set.  

Originally, Matt and Ben were set to play the two leading roles in the film, but they ran into scheduling conflicts because of Ben’s film Deep Water, so he is now set to play King Charles VI, while Adam Driver was cast to take over the role of Le Gris.

Filming began on the movie in February in France but the set was shut down in March due to the pandemic and travel restrictions in Europe. 

Matt was at the film’s next location in Ireland when lockdown began and amid the travel ban ended up isolating in the seaside resort of Dalkey, an affluent suburb of Dublin with his wife and four children for a few weeks.

The Last Duel had a scheduled released date of December 2020 but it has now been pushed back to October 15, 2021.