Elliot Page Joins Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ as Speculation Swirls Around Hermes Role
In the ever-evolving world of Hollywood blockbusters, few announcements generate as much buzz as a new Christopher Nolan project. The director, fresh off the monumental success of Oppenheimer, is now steering an ambitious adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey for Universal Pictures. With a reported $250 million budget and a globe-trotting production schedule, the film is poised to be one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026. Adding fuel to the excitement is the recent confirmation that Elliot Page has joined the ensemble cast, sparking widespread speculation that he may portray the cunning god Hermes.
Page’s involvement marks a reunion with Nolan, who previously directed him in the mind-bending 2010 thriller Inception. In that film, Page played Ariadne, the brilliant young architect whose name draws from Greek mythology—the very realm Nolan is now exploring in depth. Since Inception, Page has publicly come out as a transgender man, bringing new layers to discussions about his casting in myth-inspired roles. Fans and critics alike have noted that a return to a character like Ariadne seems unlikely, shifting attention to the array of male and divine figures in Homer’s epic.
Hermes emerges as a frontrunner in online theories and industry chatter. In The Odyssey, the messenger god is a quick-witted trickster who shuttles between the mortal world and Olympus, aiding Odysseus with clever advice and divine intervention. Far from relying on brute strength, Hermes embodies intellect, agility, and boundary-crossing flair—qualities that align strikingly with Page’s on-screen persona. Known for delivering sharp, introspective performances in films like Juno and The Umbrella Academy, Page brings an intelligent, understated intensity that could modernize the god without betraying his classical roots.
A grounded portrayal might emphasize Hermes’ role as a mediator between realms, making the character feel fresh and relatable for contemporary audiences.
The reaction to these rumors has been decidedly mixed. Supporters praise the choice as inspired, pointing to Hermes’ fluid, non-traditional masculinity in ancient texts—he’s the patron of travelers, thieves, and merchants, often depicted with youthful, androgynous energy. Some fans draw parallels to other media where ethereal or immortal figures are played by actors with androgynous appeal, arguing it enriches the storytelling. Others express reservations, debating whether the casting fits traditional interpretations or risks overshadowing the epic’s core narrative.
Online forums and social media have lit up with debates, from enthusiastic endorsements to more critical takes questioning fidelity to the source material.
Page’s potential role fits into a broader pattern in Nolan’s The Odyssey, which features an ensemble cast stacked with A-listers. Matt Damon leads as Odysseus, the beleaguered king of Ithaca navigating his decade-long journey home after the Trojan War. Tom Holland plays Telemachus, Odysseus’ loyal son, while Anne Hathaway portrays the faithful Penelope. Zendaya appears as the goddess Athena, and Charlize Theron as the enchantress Circe. Other notable additions include Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Jon Bernthal, John Leguizamo, Benny Safdie, and more recent joins like Himesh Patel, Bill Irwin, and Samantha Morton.
Roles for many supporting players remain under wraps, but the sheer star power suggests Nolan is crafting a sweeping, character-driven spectacle.
Production on The Odyssey has been as epic as its source material. Filming has spanned stunning locations across Morocco’s deserts, Greece’s ancient landscapes, and Italy’s coastal vistas, with additional shoots expected in the UK. Nolan’s commitment to practical effects and large-format IMAX cameras promises a visually immersive experience, capturing the mythic scale of storms at sea, encounters with monsters like the Cyclops, and divine interventions in breathtaking detail. Universal’s massive investment underscores confidence in the project’s potential to draw crowds to theaters worldwide.
Details about Page’s character—and much of the plot—remain closely guarded, in true Nolan fashion. The director has shared little beyond broad strokes, letting anticipation build through leaks, rumors, and official teases. Page himself has spoken warmly about the reunion, describing the set as a return to the collaborative spirit of Inception, now enriched by his personal growth and comfort in his identity post-transition.
As The Odyssey barrels toward its theatrical release on July 17, 2026, the Hermes speculation serves as a microcosm of larger conversations in modern filmmaking: how to honor ancient texts while embracing diverse interpretations, and how casting choices can invigorate timeless stories. Whether Page ultimately dons the winged sandals or takes on another pivotal figure—be it a clever crew member like Eurylochus or Odysseus’ maturing son Telemachus in an alternate vision—the role promises to highlight his talents in a high-stakes, mythic arena.
With Nolan at the helm, a powerhouse cast, and the weight of one of literature’s greatest adventures, The Odyssey is shaping up to be more than just another epic—it’s a bold reimagining that could redefine how we see Homer’s world on the big screen. Moviegoers will have to wait until summer 2026 to see if the Hermes rumors hold true, but the conversation alone has already made this one of the most talked-about films on the horizon.
