In the midst of discussions surrounding Christopher Nolan’s interpretation 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 praise, the Canadian actor revealed that he has not been approached for any new roles following the success of the movie. Page disclosed this information during an interview on the podcast On Film… With Kevin McCarthy this week.
When asked about his future projects by host Kevin McCarthy, who assumed he would be inundated with offers post the movie’s success, Page responded, “No, Kevin, I’m not.” The actor, born in Halifax, received acclaim for his portrayal of the Greek soldier Sinon in The Odyssey, a character who meets an early demise in Odysseus’s plan and returns to deliver a poignant monologue from the afterlife.
Addressing the backlash he faces for his Canadian heritage, Page humorously mentioned to McCarthy the unfounded criticism he received, alluding to the transphobic uproar from far-right figures earlier this year. These commentators, including Ben Shapiro, Megyn Kelly, and Elon Musk, incited controversy on social media regarding Page’s rumored casting as Achilles, a role which was later debunked.
Having been in the industry since the age of 10, Page is renowned for his roles in Juno, Inception, and Hard Candy, as well as his Oscar-nominated performance. In 2020, he publicly came out as transgender and has been an outspoken advocate against anti-2SLGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation in North America.
Expressing his determination to continue acting and explore diverse roles, Page mentioned in the podcast that transitioning has boosted his confidence in his craft. Reflecting on his experience working with Nolan previously in Inception, where he portrayed a female character, Page noted feeling more at ease after wrapping up The Odyssey.
Page’s situation echoes that of Samantha Morton, who portrayed Circe in the film, as she too revealed a lack of work opportunities post the movie’s success. Morton, speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in August, acknowledged the evolving dynamics of the industry and the challenges actors face in securing roles.
Overall, despite the accolades for his performance in The Odyssey, Page’s journey post the film highlights the competitive and unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
