All we know on Elliot Page’s The Odyssey role after right-wing backlash
Elliot Page stars in The Odyssey. (Daniel Zuchnik/Getty/Universal Pictures)
The Odyssey is set to host a career-defining performance from trans actor Elliot Page.
Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic fantasy action film is set to be a massive mainstream role for Page following his transition. The 39-year-old Canadian star previously starred in Nolan’s Inception.
Who is Elliot Page in The Odyssey?
In The Odyssey, Page plays Sinon, a Greek soldier and Odysseus’s cousin who fought in the Trojan War alongside him.
Sinon is an instrumental character and crucial in the famous war moment where a wooden horse makes its way into the Trojan city.
Furthermore, the film’s trailer gives a teaser of Page’s character. In one of the trailers, Paige’s Sinon is seen held at knife point. A sword is pressed against his chin as he stares at the aggressor.
Recently, Page showed off his ripped physique after boxing training, abs on full display. He’s certainly prepared for the physicality of the performance.
Why did Elliot Page get backlash for The Odyssey?
Sadly, news of Page’s casting wasn’t entirely smooth, as right-wingers were up in arms about his rumoured character.
Initial rumours suggested Page would be playing Achilles, famed for his invulnerability and weak heel.
At the time, news anchor Rob Finnerty broadcast his vehement disagreement with a trans actor playing the role… which he seemed to think was based on a real person from history, rather than a mythological figure.
“The most famous warrior in all of history, not just Greek history, Achilles, is about to be played by a transgender woman in a brand new movie,” he then said.
“Achilles, who is described throughout history as being a superhuman warrior, deadly on the battlefield, he even defeated Hector of Troy,” Finnerty also continued.
Finnerty then went on to criticise Lupita Nyong’o’s casting as Helen of Troy, another mythological character, saying that she was “definitely white”.
What is The Odyssey about?
Nolan’s The Odyssey is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic.
The film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek king of Ithaca, returning home after the Trojan War. Though, his long journey to reunite with his wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), is littered with mythical beings.
The movie’s stacked cast also includes Tom Holland as Telemachus, Robert Pattinson as Antinous, Zendaya as Athena, Charlize Theron as Calypso and many more.
When is The Odyssey out?
The Odyssey is released in UK and US cinemas on 17 July.
