Even starring in one of the summer’s largest theatrical blockbusters doesn’t guarantee a packed calendar in Hollywood. Despite earning critical acclaim for his performance as the Greek soldier Sinon in Christopher Nolan’s epic film The Odyssey, actor Elliot Page revealed that the movie’s massive box office success hasn’t translated into a flood of new scripts.
Appearing on the On Film… With Kevin McCarthy podcast, the 39-year-old actor offered an exceptionally candid look into his current professional reality when McCarthy asked if his phone had been ringing off the hook with new offers.
“No, Kevin, I’m not,” Page responded plainly. “So, if someone wants to call me.” He then added with a dry grin, “I know I get some pushback for being Canadian. I don’t know what it’s about, but…”
When pressed on whether he truly had zero projects currently lined up on his schedule, Page confirmed that his slate is clear, though his passion for the craft remains as sharp as ever.
“Not really. I’d really love to do, ideally, good work. That’s what I’d love to do. And I feel like I’m in a place where, you know, it is actually interesting when you ask me about maybe, I don’t know, if this is weird or too personal.”
Reflecting on his trajectory—including his earlier collaboration with Nolan on Inception—Page detailed how stepping into his true self through his gender transition has fundamentally reshaped his relationship with his acting ability.
“I had such a great time being in [Inception]. I had such a great time working with [the character Ariadne], but I was also personally really uncomfortable,” Page explained.
“Whereas a part like Juno, you know, I was able to feel a bit more comfortable and embodied or something like that. But I feel now, ’cause that’s removed and I don’t have to deal with that when I’m acting and in my performances, I feel like I could maybe do some of my best work now.”
He continued: “I’m not having to literally work through a performance that I don’t even quite know I’m doing to get to a performance. So, like the experience of feeling, of walking onto a Chris set this time, versus in the ways of it being cathartic. When I wrapped on The Odyssey, I had a moment, like there was a full circle moment. I think just feeling more embodied and connected. That’s what lets you weirdly let go more, you know. That’s what lets you, you know, knowing yourself more and embodying yourself more, weirdly lets you let go.”
McCarthy asked if Page had considered taking a more aggressive approach by directly pitching himself to directors he admires, but the actor admitted that navigating the industry at this stage requires a unique balance.
“I wish I could be more that person who’s like, I just walked in the room and said, you know… I’m more like if they want me, you know, if they think I’m right, but maybe too ’cause, you know, I was seen in a certain way before, and it is different now. Maybe there is something to reaching out to people and trying to create connections and projects that way. I think it’s a little tricky for me to get cast right now. I think that’s probably for obvious reasons.”
Closing out the conversation with another light joke about his Canadian roots, Page emphasized that despite the current lull between roles, his gratitude for his journey remains intact. “But, I’m grateful to Chris for having me be a part of this and yeah, I certainly… Look, I’ve been so lucky. I’ve been so lucky in my career and gotten to play some really fantastic parts and be a part of some wonderful projects.”
