In the wake of Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of the classic tale, “The Odyssey,” earlier this year, Elliot Page’s performance received unanimous praise from critics and fans alike. However, despite his standout portrayal in the film, the Canadian actor disclosed that he has not been approached for any new roles since the movie’s success. Page made these revelations during an interview on the podcast “On Film… With Kevin McCarthy.”
When asked about his upcoming projects by host Kevin McCarthy, who assumed he must be inundated with offers post the movie’s release, Page responded with a simple “No, Kevin, I’m not.” The actor, hailing from Halifax, garnered acclaim for his depiction of the Greek soldier Sinon in “The Odyssey,” a character who meets a tragic fate early in Odysseus’s narrative and later returns to deliver a poignant monologue from beyond the grave.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the film, Page humorously mentioned the backlash he faced for his Canadian nationality, teasingly attributing it to unknown reasons. This banter subtly alluded to the transphobic uproar caused by right-wing commentators like Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly, and Elon Musk, who criticized rumors suggesting Page had been cast as Achilles, a role he did not play.
With a career spanning back to his childhood at age 10, Page is renowned for his roles in critically acclaimed films such as “Juno,” “Inception,” and “Hard Candy.” In 2020, he publicly came out as transgender and has since been an outspoken advocate against anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation in both the U.S. and Canada. In a 2023 interview with CBC, Page expressed dismay at the pervasive misinformation and narratives surrounding trans individuals, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and acceptance.
Despite the lack of new acting opportunities post “The Odyssey,” Page remains eager to explore diverse roles and believes that his transition has boosted his confidence as an actor. Comparing his experiences on the set of “Inception,” where he felt discomfort portraying a female character, to his recent work with Nolan, Page noted a significant personal growth and fulfillment in his latest performance.
Page’s co-star in “The Odyssey,” Samantha Morton, who portrayed Circe, also shared her struggle with a dearth of acting offers following the film’s release. In an interview on the podcast “Happy Sad Confused,” Morton acknowledged the evolving dynamics of the industry and the challenges actors face amidst changing trends and preferences.