In the wake of Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of The Odyssey earlier this year, both critics and enthusiasts found common ground in recognizing Elliot Page’s exceptional performance in the film. Despite this, the Canadian actor revealed that he has not been approached for any roles since the movie’s success. Page made this disclosure during an interview on the podcast On Film… With Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday.
During the podcast, host Kevin McCarthy inquired about Page’s future projects, assuming he was inundated with offers post the movie’s release. To this, Page candidly replied, “No, Kevin, I’m not.” Page, a native of Halifax, garnered praise in reviews of The Odyssey for his portrayal of Sinon, the Greek soldier who meets an untimely end in Odysseus’s scheme and later delivers a poignant monologue from the afterlife.
Reflecting on the backlash he faced for his Canadian identity, Page humorously remarked to McCarthy about the unfounded criticism, subtly alluding to the transphobic uproar caused by right-wing figures when rumors circulated online about Page playing Achilles in the film.
The controversy surrounding Page’s casting was fueled by individuals such as Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly, and Elon Musk, who incited social media frenzy over the idea of a transgender man in the role. This was debunked by 2SLGBTQ+ advocates as absurd, especially after it was revealed that Page portrayed a different character.
Page, a seasoned actor known for his roles in acclaimed films like Juno, Inception, and Hard Candy, publicly came out as transgender in 2020. He has been actively advocating against anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation in the U.S. and Canada, denouncing discriminatory policies that marginalize gender-diverse individuals.
In a podcast episode, Page expressed his eagerness to explore new acting opportunities, emphasizing how his transition has boosted his confidence and authenticity in performances. Despite facing discomfort in past roles, particularly in Inception, where he portrayed a female character, Page now feels liberated to deliver his best work.
Page’s experience echoes that of Samantha Morton, who played Circe in The Odyssey, as she too disclosed a lack of work offers post the film’s success. Morton, speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, highlighted the evolving dynamics of the industry and the challenges actors face in securing roles amid changing industry norms.
Both Page and Morton’s post-film experiences shed light on the complexities of the entertainment industry and the enduring struggle for actors to navigate career opportunities amidst shifting industry landscapes.