Whoopi Goldberg defends Elliot Page’s casting in 'The Odyssey' amid online backlash

Whoopi Goldberg defends Elliot Page’s The Odyssey casting, urging critics to skip the film if they object

Whoopi Goldberg has spoken out in support of Elliot Page following criticism over the actor’s casting in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey.

During a recent episode of The View, Goldberg dismissed the backlash and questioned why some viewers were so concerned about the casting choice.

Addressing critics of Page’s portrayal of the Greek warrior Sinon, Goldberg said audiences who object to the casting are under no obligation to watch the film. She argued that personal disagreements over casting should not dictate how others experience a movie, adding that those who dislike the decision can simply choose not to buy a ticket.

The comments come after online debate intensified following The Odyssey’s release, with some social media users criticising the casting of Page, who publicly came out as transgender in 2020. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro was among those who questioned the decision, contributing to wider discussion across social media platforms.

Fellow The View co-host Sarah Haines also criticised people who condemned the film without seeing it. She said opinions should be based on firsthand experience rather than assumptions, urging audiences to watch the movie before forming conclusions.

Page has previously spoken about how transitioning has positively affected both his personal life and acting career. His role in The Odyssey marks another high-profile appearance in a film led by an ensemble cast that includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and Mia Goth.

Despite the online controversy, The Odyssey has enjoyed a strong commercial debut. Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem opened to more than $264 million worldwide during its first weekend, underscoring significant audience interest in the historical fantasy adventure.