In the midst of reactions to Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey earlier this year, both critics and enthusiasts found common ground in praising Elliot Page’s exceptional performance in the film. Despite this acclaim, the Canadian actor revealed that he has not been inundated with casting offers following the movie’s success. Page disclosed this during an interview on the podcast On Film… With Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday.
When asked about his future projects by host Kevin McCarthy, who assumed he would be receiving numerous offers post-movie, Page responded, “No, Kevin, I’m not.” Notably, Page gained attention for his portrayal of the character Sinon, a Greek soldier, in The Odyssey, where he delivered a poignant monologue from beyond the grave.
Reflecting on the reactions he receives, Page humorously mentioned the “pushback” he faces for being Canadian, subtly alluding to the transphobic uproar that erupted earlier in the year when false rumors circulated about him being cast as Achilles in the film.
The controversy stirred by right-wing figures like Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly, and Elon Musk on social media over the casting of a trans man in the role was later debunked when it was revealed that Page was playing a different character. Page, who has been in the industry since he was 10, is renowned for his performances in Juno, Inception, and Hard Candy. He publicly came out as transgender in 2020 and has been an advocate against anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric.
In a recent podcast episode, Page expressed his eagerness to continue acting, emphasizing how his transition has boosted his confidence and overall comfort in portraying roles. He noted that this newfound ease may lead him to deliver some of his best work yet, contrasting his experience in Inception where he felt discomfort despite enjoying the role.
Page’s sentiments were echoed by Samantha Morton, who played Circe in The Odyssey, as she revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that she has experienced a significant gap in work opportunities post the film’s release. Morton, acknowledging the shifting dynamics of the industry, emphasized the challenges faced by actors in an evolving landscape.
Both Page and Morton’s reflections shed light on the realities of the entertainment industry post-successful projects, showcasing the uncertainties and challenges faced by talented actors amid evolving industry trends.
