In the midst of reactions to Christopher Nolan’s rendition of The Odyssey earlier this year, critics and enthusiasts found common ground in praising Elliot Page’s outstanding performance in the film. However, despite his remarkable portrayal, the Canadian actor revealed that he has not been inundated with casting offers post the movie’s success. Page disclosed this during an appearance on the podcast On Film… With Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday when the host inquired about his future endeavors, assuming he would be flooded with opportunities post the movie. Contrary to expectations, Page responded, “No, Kevin, I’m not.”
Page, a native of Halifax, garnered acclaim for his role as the Greek soldier Sinon in The Odyssey, where he portrayed a character pivotal to Odysseus’s narrative. Amidst discussions, Page humorously mentioned facing some backlash for being Canadian, hinting at the transphobic uproar triggered by rumors earlier this year linking him to the role of Achilles.
The controversy, fueled by right-wing figures such as Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly, and Elon Musk, was swiftly debunked by 2SLGBTQ+ advocates as Page’s actual character was revealed. Page, who has been acting since childhood and is known for his roles in Juno, Inception, and Hard Candy, came out as transgender in 2020 through social media.
Speaking out against anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation, Page signed an open letter denouncing discriminatory policies in 2024. In a candid interview in 2023, he emphasized the importance of authenticity for trans individuals and criticized the spread of misinformation and prejudices.
Expressing his eagerness to take on new roles, Page noted in the podcast episode his newfound confidence post-transition, believing it could lead to some of his best work. Reflecting on his experience working with Nolan on Inception, where he portrayed a female character, Page highlighted feeling more at ease post his transition. He shared a touching moment of closure upon wrapping up his role in The Odyssey.
Page’s post-movie casting drought is not unique, as actress Samantha Morton, who played Circe in the film, also revealed a lack of work opportunities since the project’s completion. Morton attributed this to industry dynamics and acknowledged the evolving landscape of the entertainment sector.