Earlier today, Elliot Page (f.k.a. Ellen Page) came out as transgender and non-binary, sharing the news via social media. Page’s announcement was met with resounding support from his fans as well as his colleagues in the entertainment industry. However, it also left many of them wondering how this will affect his performance as Vanya Hargreeves on Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, which recently landed a third season renewal. Now, Variety has confirmed that the show won’t make any changes to the character.
According to Variety’s sources, Page will continue playing Vanya as a cisgender woman on The Umbrella Academy. Netflix is also currently updating Page’s credits on all of his film and TV projects that are part of its streaming library to reflect his new name. Some fans may have been expecting Page’s gender identity to be written into the series or even for Vanya to be recast with a cisgender actress. Regardless, Nick Adams, the director of transgender media at GLAAD, explained why changes like these aren’t necessary.
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“Trans actors can and do play both trans and cisgender characters,” said Adams. “I’m sure Elliot will continue to be brilliant in Umbrella Academy and many different types of roles in the future.”
Page originally came out as a lesbian in 2014. Since then, he’s been using his platform to advocate on behalf of the LGBTQ community. In 2017, Page received a GLAAD Media Award nomination for his Gaycation documentary series, which explored LGBTQ cultures around the world.
Netflix has yet to set a premiere date for The Umbrella Academy season 3.
Are you excited to see how Vanya’s story plays out when the series returns? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: The Umbrella Academy Vol. 3
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