John Leguizamo praises Matt Damon as ‘the coolest, funniest, realest dude’

John Leguizamo praises Matt Damon ahead of new film: 'He’s the coolest, funniest, realest dude'(Image Credit: Instagram)

John Leguizamo has plenty of good things to say about Matt Damon, and their latest collaboration appears to have strengthened their bond. After working together in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey', the actors are now preparing to reunite for another project directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, known professionally as the Daniels.Speaking to PEOPLE at the Critics Choice Association's 6th Celebration of Cinema & Television in Beverly Hills on October 2, Leguizamo opened up about his experience working with Damon and teased their upcoming film.

John Leguizamo has high praise for Matt Damon

Leguizamo's latest comments make it clear that his admiration for Damon goes well beyond their work in 'The Odyssey'. Talking about their next collaboration, he said, "We're doing the Daniels, because working with Matt is a joy and a half.

He's the coolest, funniest, realest dude that I ever hung out with. So yeah, I'll do a third if he's up for it, if he can tolerate me."The upcoming movie will mark another chapter in the actors' professional relationship. Leguizamo and Damon previously worked together on the 2000 animated science-fiction film 'Titan A.E.' before sharing the screen again in 'The Odyssey'.While details about the Daniels' upcoming movie are being kept under wraps, Leguizamo did offer a glimpse into the atmosphere on set.

"I'm not allowed to say anything except that it's a Daniels movie, and we're having an amazing time," he told PEOPLE.He also praised the younger members of the cast, adding, "The cast is unbelievable. A whole bunch of new kids who are so talented and inspire me. I mean, the young actors coming up, oh my God, they give me so much hope and so much joy."

John Leguizamo was impressed by Matt Damon on 'The Odyssey'

Leguizamo had already spoken warmly about Damon while promoting 'The Odyssey'.

In Christopher Nolan's epic adaptation of Homer's classic, Damon plays Odysseus, while Leguizamo portrays Eumaeus, a loyal servant and friend of the Ithacan king.The experience apparently left a lasting impression on Leguizamo. Speaking to the outlet earlier in the year, he recalled being surprised by Damon's attitude on the demanding production."I couldn't believe what a generous, humble and funny dude Damon was on set," Leguizamo said.He went on to explain why the actor earned his respect, saying, "I had no idea what to expect, but I didn't expect his incredible generosity. He never complained, and he was doing the heaviest lifting of any actor in the whole movie. And the dude never had an unkind word, was always kind to the crew. Just a lovely, lovely dude. Chef's kiss of an actor."

John Leguizamo calls 'The Odyssey' important

Leguizamo described the movie as more than a large-scale Hollywood production and expressed hope that it receives recognition during awards season."I feel like The Odyssey is such a beautiful gift to the world. I think it's a piece of art," he said.Discussing the film's themes, he added, "I think it's going to be for cinema history. I just think the script that Nolan wrote is so powerful, so timely, an anti-war picture in this era. ... It feels like it's so important that I hope it gets all the love it deserves."

From 'Titan A.E.' to their next collaboration

The upcoming Daniels project gives Damon and Leguizamo another opportunity to work together after more than two decades of professional association.

Their relationship has moved from an animated sci-fi adventure in 'Titan A.E.' to Nolan's epic 'The Odyssey' and now an undisclosed new film.For Leguizamo, however, his latest comments suggest that the appeal is not simply being part of another major production. His praise for Damon focuses on the actor's personality away from the spotlight — his humour, generosity and the way he treats people on set.And if Leguizamo gets his way, their next film may not be their last. As he joked about potentially working with Damon for a third time, "So yeah, I'll do a third if he's up for it, if he can tolerate me."