Reports that transgender actor Elliot Page may portray Achilles in The Odyssey have triggered widespread online debate and backlash, with critics questioning the rumored casting choice.
Although Page’s role in the film has not been officially confirmed, entertainment outlet IGN reported that the actor is believed to be playing Achilles, the legendary Greek warrior from Homer’s The Iliad. According to the report, clues in the movie’s trailer appeared to suggest the role.
“The trailer might’ve given away who the actor is playing: Achilles, the tragic hero from The Iliad who Odysseus encounters in the Underworld as a ghost,” IGN reported.
The outlet added that while the casting had not been formally confirmed, “it seems like a good bet.”
The speculation quickly ignited reactions across social media, particularly among conservative commentators and critics of Hollywood casting trends.
Documentary filmmaker Robby Starbuck criticized the rumored decision in a post on X.
“If Elliot Page is playing Achilles, this will be the biggest bomb of Christopher Nolan’s career. It’ll be meme’d to death before it ever comes out,” Starbuck wrote.
He later added, “You can’t go from Brad Pitt as Achilles to a confused woman and expect an audience to take it seriously.”
Actor Kevin Sorbo also reacted to the rumors, writing, “You could have paid me to tank this movie and I wouldn’t have thought of this.”
Other social media users echoed similar criticism, with some arguing the casting would undermine the mythological image of Achilles as one of Greek mythology’s greatest warriors. Several commenters also referenced unconfirmed rumors that actress Lupita Nyong’o may portray Helen of Troy, who was supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the world, fueling broader online arguments about historical and mythological representation in Hollywood productions.
If you paid me to ruin a movie, I still couldn’t have done it this masterfully pic.twitter.com/NXvdEHDtcg
— Rothmus 🏴 (@Rothmus) May 8, 2026
Some users questioned whether the controversy could damage Nolan’s reputation, with posts asking whether The Odyssey could become “a mega-flop” or “ruin Christopher Nolan’s legacy.”
At the same time, proponents of “inclusive” casting argued that adaptations of ancient myths have long reinterpreted historical and literary figures through modern lenses. Others noted that rumors about the cast remain speculative until officially confirmed by the studio.
Christopher Nolan has remained silent on the controversy and has not publicly addressed reports surrounding Page’s potential role.
The upcoming film features a star-studded cast. According to IGN, Matt Damon is set to play Odysseus, Tom Holland will portray Telemachus, Jon Bernthal is expected to play King Menelaus, and Charlize Theron will portray Calypso.
The film adaptation of Homer’s epic poem is currently scheduled for release in theaters on July 17.
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