Musing Over the Potential Roles for Elliot Page in the 2026 Blockbuster The Odyssey

Boasting a massive production budget of $250 million – which will almost certainly cost Universal Pictures close to double by the time the film hits the premieres – and taking on one of the most iconic and important stories ever penned, Christopher Nolan has pulled together a sprawling cast for The Odyssey. The ensemble cast boasts superstar performers and plenty of reliable, recognisable faces to create a stacked and very appealing team.

Among the list that includes Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Jon Bernthal, and Himesh Patel is also Elliot Page. The famed trans actor was announced as one of four additions on February 3 who will “round out” the supporting cast, as we relayed at EMN . So, what role will Page be taking on in the ambitious blockbuster epic set to land in 2026?

Many Deities of Greek Myth Could Play a Part

We know that the original epic poem by Homer draws in many gods who play minor but key parts in the story of Odysseus trying to return home. Not much is known about the plot of 2026’s The Odyssey, but from what we do know, interventions from deities can be expected. We know that Odysseus will encounter the Sirens, the witch goddess Circe, and the Polyphemus, the Cyclops, according to this report from Deadline .

Following the original works, this would mean that Christopher Nolan will need to cast for a fair few gods of ancient Greek myth. Among the most well-known who look the most likely to feature in supporting roles are Zeus and Hermes. Of the two, of course, Zeus is the most prominent. However, his portrayal across media and all the way back to ancient sculptures likely doesn’t suit Page.

Zeus is the King of Olympus, the one who defeated the Titans. He boasts a massive, enviable physique to plant his place atop the realm of the gods, and also controls the skies, thunder, and lightning. It’s the quintessential depiction in shows like Blood of Zeus, films like the 1963 Jason and the Argonauts, or the many ancient Greek games at the online casino Betway . Games like Ze Zeus, Alpha Gods Zeus, Zeus God of Thunder, and 3 Powers of Zeus among 15 other titles all show him in this way. Clearly, there's an established public conception of what Zeus looks like, and how Nolan chooses to depict him could have major ramifications for how the rest of the story comes across.

Of course, Nolan could be considering a bit of a rug pull, pivoting from this cemented depiction of Zeus as a huge, bemuscled specimen to visibly show his strength. Indeed, it could be very well received by trans cinema-lovers in particular, seeing Page in such a masculine-affirming role. However, taking on the role of Hermes would seem the more immediately likely fit. As this TPN piece suggested , Page could play the more mystical role of the messenger, who does perform an important but fleeting part in the narrative. Hermes floats in three times, being decisive in helping Odysseus.

Maybe Just One of the Baseline Chaps

Alternatively, there are plenty of characters who can’t fly or wield and throw lightning. Odysseus has a whole crew battling the elements and the many monsters throughout the journey with him. Given what happens along the way, Nolan would do well to include several distinct characters in the crew to make events truly hit the audience. In this regard, an actor like Page drawing on the kind of raw performance Close to You showcased would help here.

This is especially true if actors like Cosmo Jarvis, Jon Bernthal, Will Yun Lee, and Ryan Hurst are on Odysseus’ ship. If they play their more typical turns, each would easily stand out across the journey. Alternatively, Page, could be far away from the trials of Odysseus and feature back in Ithaca, where the other integral part of the story is taking place.

Back in Ithaca – of which, Odysseus is king – his wife is being circled by suitors, assuming that Odysseus has fallen. Similarly to the cast of the ship’s crew, Page could work well here. Many of Page’s involvements since transitioning to date have centred on him being a trans actor and the LGBTQ+ experience, like with the Drag Race documentary . Set in ancient Greece, this would put Page in the role of a male suitor, which could further showcase his skill as an actor and broaden his horizons going forward.

The production of The Odyssey has been tight-lipped so far, so really, it’s anyone’s guess who Page will be playing. For a supporting cast member with the deities likely to be involved, Hermes does look to be the bet for now.