In the midst of discussions surrounding 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 his standout portrayal, the Canadian actor disclosed that he has not been approached for any new acting opportunities since the movie’s success. Page revealed this information during an interview on the podcast On Film… With Kevin McCarthy.
When queried by host Kevin McCarthy about his upcoming projects and the assumption that he must be inundated with offers post the movie’s release, Page responded, “No, Kevin, I’m not.” The actor, born in Halifax, garnered acclaim in reviews of The Odyssey for his role as the Greek soldier Sinon, who meets an early demise in Odysseus’s scheme and later delivers a poignant monologue from the afterlife.
Reflecting on the backlash he faced for being Canadian, Page humorously remarked to McCarthy about the unfounded criticisms, alluding to the transphobic uproar instigated by right-wing figures like Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly, and Elon Musk earlier in the year. This controversy arose when rumors circulated on social media suggesting Page had been cast as the iconic Greek warrior Achilles, a misunderstanding that was eventually debunked as Page assumed a different character in the film.
Page, who has been acting since childhood and is renowned for his roles in Juno, Inception, and Hard Candy, publicly came out as transgender in 2020. He has been a vocal advocate against anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation, notably signing an open letter in 2024 denouncing discriminatory policies targeting gender-diverse individuals.
Expressing his eagerness to explore diverse acting opportunities, Page mentioned in the podcast that the comfort he now feels post-transition has bolstered his confidence in his craft. Recalling his experience working with Nolan on Inception, where he portrayed a female character, Page contrasted the discomfort he felt then with the newfound confidence he experiences in his performances post-transition.
In a similar vein, Samantha Morton, who portrayed Circe in The Odyssey, shared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that she too has faced a dry spell in acting offers since the film’s release. Morton, acknowledging industry dynamics and her age, emphasized the evolving landscape of the entertainment sector and its impact on actors’ career trajectories.