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. However, despite the success of the movie, the Canadian actor disclosed that he has not been approached for any new roles post-release. Page shared this information during an interview on the podcast On Film… With Kevin McCarthy recently.
When questioned by host Kevin McCarthy about his upcoming projects and the expected influx of offers following his performance, Page responded with a surprising, “No, Kevin, I’m not.” Hailing from Halifax, Page garnered acclaim for his portrayal of the Greek soldier Sinon in The Odyssey, a character meeting an untimely demise in Odysseus’s grand scheme, only to return with a poignant monologue from beyond the grave.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the movie, Page humorously mentioned the unwarranted criticism he faced for being Canadian, subtly alluding to the transphobic uproar generated by certain right-wing figures when rumors circulated about his alleged casting as Achilles, a controversy that was swiftly debunked when his actual role was revealed.
Aside from his recent success, Page, known for his notable roles in films such as Juno, Inception, and Hard Candy, made headlines in 2020 when he publicly came out as transgender. A staunch advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, Page has consistently voiced his opposition to anti-trans sentiments and legislation in both the U.S. and Canada, joining forces with fellow artists to denounce discriminatory policies targeting gender-diverse individuals.
In a candid revelation during the podcast episode, Page expressed his eagerness to delve into more acting opportunities, emphasizing how his transition has alleviated the lingering discomfort he previously experienced, leading to newfound confidence in his craft. He mused, “I feel like I could maybe I could do some of my best work now,” highlighting the liberation he now feels in his performances compared to his pre-transition struggles.
Furthermore, Page reminisced about his collaboration with Christopher Nolan on Inception, where he portrayed a female character, admitting to feeling personally uncomfortable despite enjoying the experience. In contrast, after wrapping up his role in The Odyssey, he experienced a profound sense of closure, symbolized by a “full-circle moment.”
Interestingly, Page is not the only actor from Nolan’s epic who has not seen a surge in job offers post-release. Samantha Morton, who portrayed Circe in the film, revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that she has not worked since the movie’s completion, attributing the industry’s shifting dynamics to her lack of recent opportunities.
Ultimately, as Page continues to navigate his career post-The Odyssey, he remains optimistic about the prospects that lie ahead, armed with newfound confidence and a drive to deliver his best performances yet.