In the wake of Christopher Nolan’s rendition of the classic tale of The Odyssey earlier this year, critics and enthusiasts alike found common ground in praising Elliot Page’s remarkable performance in the film. Despite the acclaim, the Canadian actor revealed that he has not been inundated with casting opportunities following the film’s success.
During an appearance on the podcast On Film… With Kevin McCarthy, Page disclosed that there had been no surge in offers despite his standout portrayal of the character Sinon, a Greek soldier, in The Odyssey. In response to host Kevin McCarthy’s assumption that he must have been flooded with calls post-movie, Page candidly stated that this was not the case.
Page, a native of Halifax, garnered attention for his role as Sinon, a soldier met with an untimely demise in the plot, delivering a poignant monologue from beyond the grave. Addressing the situation humorously, Page mentioned the backlash he faced for being Canadian, alluding to the unfounded uproar from right-wing figures who mistakenly speculated he would play Achilles due to his trans identity.
The controversy stirred by commentators like Ben Shapiro and Megyn Kelly over Page’s casting highlighted the absurdity of the situation, particularly when it was clarified that Page assumed a different role in the film. Page, who has been acting since childhood and is renowned for his performances in Juno, Inception, and Hard Candy, came out as transgender in 2020, using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Expressing his dismay at the proliferation of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, Page has been vocal about the issues facing the community, advocating for authenticity and acceptance. In a recent interview, Page emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to live authentically and condemned the spread of misinformation and harmful narratives.
Despite the lack of post-film offers, Page remains eager to take on new acting challenges, expressing newfound confidence in his craft post-transition. Reflecting on his experience working with Nolan on Inception and The Odyssey, Page noted a significant personal growth since his transition, feeling more at ease with his performances and embracing the potential for future creative endeavors.
Page’s experience mirrors that of Samantha Morton, who portrayed Circe in The Odyssey and also noted a dearth of opportunities following the film’s release. Morton attributed the industry’s evolving dynamics and fierce competition among actors as factors influencing the current casting landscape.