Reports indicate that transgender actor Elliot Page, previously known as Ellen, is set to portray Achilles in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film Odyssey. This announcement has ignited considerable backlash, with actor Kevin Sorbo commenting, “If you had offered me this role, I would have never considered it.”
Though Page’s involvement in Nolan’s interpretation of Homer’s epic, which is scheduled for release on July 17th, hasn’t been officially confirmed, sources suggest that the Juno star will indeed appear in the film. One report on this came from a popular video game and entertainment platform.
Rumors suggest that the trailer hinted at Page’s character being Achilles, known as a tragic hero from the Iliad, whom Odysseus meets as a spirit in the underworld.
While it’s not definitively confirmed that Page will play this role, it seems like a solid possibility.
Documentary filmmaker Robbie Starbuck remarked, “If Elliot Page takes on the role of Achilles, it could be the most shocking twist in Nolan’s career. It’s bound to generate countless memes before it’s even released.” He shared his thoughts in a post over the weekend.
Starbuck further expressed skepticism, saying, “You can’t transition from Brad Pitt as Achilles to a confused woman and expect viewers to accept that without question.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Sorbo, in a playful jab, remarked that he wouldn’t have considered the role even if paid for it.
Another social media user expressed doubts about the film’s potential, stating, “A petite girl pretending to be a male demigod might be its biggest drawback.”
One user commented humorously, “We’re all in hell dealing with the pandemic,” reflecting a sentiment of frustration. Others shared thoughts like, “Movie theaters are definitely on the decline.”
Discussions also highlighted cultural representation: “When adapting stories from other cultures, character accuracy is crucial, as deviations can come off as racist. However, in European narratives, having a diverse cast is acceptable,” said another commenter.
Alongside Page, there’s speculation that Black actress Lupita Nyong’o could portray Helen of Troy in the film.
A user questioned, “Has Christopher Nolan truly compromised his impressive career?” Another added, “Is this project going to tarnish Nolan’s legacy?” Concerns were raised that casting a “trans actor as Achilles, a demigod with distinct features and strength,” might lead to diminished expectations for the film.
As for the confirmed cast, IGN reports that the film will feature Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as Telemachus, Jon Bernthal as King Menelaus, and Charlize Theron as Calypso.
