Elliot Page recently revealed that his acclaimed performance in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has not led to the expected surge of new acting roles.. Speaking on the podcast "On Film... With Kevin McCarthy," the Canadian actor addressed the disconnect between his recent critical success and his current professional opportunities.
The Achilles Rumor and the Transphobic Backlash
The actor's comments touched on the "pushback" he faces, which many interpret as a reaction to the transphobic misinformation that circulated earlier this year. As the report notes, false socal media claims suggested Page was cast as the Greek warrior Achilles, sparking a wave of criticism from figures including Elon Musk, Megyn Kelly, and Ben Shapiro. This controversy highlights a broader tension in the entertainment industry, where 2SLGBTQ+ performers often face intense scrutiny.
Page has been a vocal advocate against such rhetoric, recently joining 400 other Canadian artists in signing an open letter denouncing "alarming and destructive" policies affecting the community. this history of activism suggests that the social friction surrounding his identity remains a significant factor in his public profile.
From Inception Discomfort to The Odyssey's Full Circle
Page also reflected on his personal evolution as an actor, contrasting his recent work with his time in Christopher Nolan’s 2010 film Inception.. While he enjoyed working with Nolan, Page admitted to feeling "personally really uncomfortable" playing a female character during that production. In contrast, he described his role as Sinon in The Odyssey as a "full circle moment" that allowed him to feel more "embodied and connected" to his performance .
He noted that his transition has allowed him to let go more during a performance, stating that he no longer has to "work through" a role to find his authentic self. Despite the high-profile glamour of the film's London premiere—where Page appeared alongside stars like Robert Pattinson and Zendaya—the professional aftermath has been unexpectedly quiet.
Samantha Morton’s Year-Long Hiatus and Changing Industry Politics
The lack of immediate work following a major production is not unique to Page. According to the report, Samantha Morton, who played Circe in The Odyssey, told host Josh Horowitz on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast that she has not worked for a year since the film's release. Morton, the Minority Report actor, suggested that the "politics of the industry" have changed massively, implying a shift in how roles are distributed or how veteran actors are utilized.
This observation suggests that the quiet period Page is experiencing might be part of a wider trend affecting established talent in Hollywood.. whether this is a temporary lull or a structural shift remains to be seen, but the experiences of both Page and Morton point to a potentially more volatile landscape for performers.
Is Transphobic Backlash Stifling Page's Career?
While Page and Morton have both noted a lack of work, several critical questions remain. It is currently unverified whether the lack of casting calls is a direct consequence of the transphobic backlash targeting Page,or if it is simply a byproduct of the industry shifts Morton described. Furthermore, the report does not clarify if these casting droughts are specific to performers who have been targets of social media misinformation, or if they represent a broader economic reality for the industry.
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