Whoopi Goldberg slams critics of Elliot Page Odyssey casting
Whoopi Goldberg slams critics of Elliot Page's casting in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, telling The View viewers who object to simply skip the film. Responding to Ben Shapiro's on-air critique, she asked why anyone cares who is cast if they do not plan to buy a ticket.
Key Takeaways
- Goldberg addressed conservative backlash to Page's role during Tuesday's episode of The View.
- She dismissed Ben Shapiro's claim that the casting "doesn't work," saying objectors should not go see the movie.
- Page plays Sinon, a supporting role as a cousin of Matt Damon's Odysseus.
- Right-wing anger earlier chased false Achilles rumors; similar hostility targeted Lupita Nyong'o.
- The Odyssey still posted Nolan's biggest opening and has crossed $300 million globally.
What did Whoopi Goldberg say about Elliot Page's casting?
On Tuesday's The View, Goldberg pushed back after the show aired a clip of commentator Ben Shapiro criticizing Page's place in Nolan's epic. Shapiro called the choice an "absolute puzzler," citing Page's height, weight, and voice before concluding, "It doesn't work."
Goldberg did not argue that every viewer must like the casting. She said many conservatives would feel the same way Shapiro does, and that is fine. Her point was practical: if the film is not for you, stay home.
"A lot of conservatives who see this are going to feel the same way. That's okay. But I don't understand. Why go see the movie? If you don't want to see it, don't go see it. Why do you care who's cast in it?" she said, according to Variety.
Who is Elliot Page playing in The Odyssey?
Page has a supporting role as Sinon, described as a cousin of Matt Damon's Odysseus. Variety's review called the performance "tersely vulnerable," undercutting claims that the part defines the whole film.
Critics on the right first seized on inaccurate rumors that Page would play Achilles, with Elon Musk among those weighing in before the real casting was known. A similarly hostile reaction met Lupita Nyong'o's involvement, rooted in racist objections to her casting.
Goldberg also challenged the word "woke," saying the label is often aimed at ordinary people trying to hold jobs, raise families, and get an education—not at anyone pushing an agenda. For more streaming and screen alerts, follow BlasterPost Streaming & TV Alerts.
Has the backlash hurt The Odyssey at the box office?
According to Variety, the criticism has had zero effect on ticket sales. Nolan scored the biggest opening of his career with The Odyssey, and global collections have now crossed $300 million.
That box-office resilience is why Goldberg's message lands as more than a talk-show clapback. Audience interest has not tracked the loudest online objections, and the film continues to draw crowds despite the casting debate.
In short, Whoopi Goldberg slams critics by reframing the fight: dislike the casting if you want, but do not demand the movie reshape itself around people who never planned to buy a seat.