Elliot Page has opened up about his regret regarding a homophobic line in the critically acclaimed movie Juno, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2007.At the time, Page was just 20 years old, playing the title role of Juno MacGuff, a witty and quirky high schooler who becomes pregnant after an awkward relationship with her friend Paulie Bleeker, played by Michael Cera.
The storyline follows the two teenagers as they decide to put the baby up for adoption, introducing them to Mark and Vanessa Loring, portrayed by Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner.
As the adoption process unfolds, Juno develops a unique friendship with Mark. They bond over a shared love of music, and one particular scene sees them discussing potential names for the baby.It’s during this conversation that Juno delivers a line that Page, reflecting on it years later, wishes he had challenged or spoken against at the time.
Page shared these feelings during an interview with Bustle in 2017, three years before coming out as transgender in 2020.
Page explained: “It wasn’t something I totally registered at the time,”The line in question occurs when Mark suggests the name Madison for the baby. In response, Juno’s character quips: “Isn’t that a little gay?”
Although it may have seemed harmless to some at the time, the comment carried undertones that Page has since come to regret, recognizing the broader impact such language can have.
Juno makes the comment while speaking with Jason Bateman’s characterSearchlight Pictures
With more perspective and life experience, Page reflected on how the line resonates differently now.He remarked: “Now that I’m older I do. So many movies I loved as a kid are just rampant with homophobia and transphobia and biphobia, and I’m not excusing it by any means,”
In an effort to take accountability and create change, Page shared that when revisiting the Juno script for a Planned Parenthood project, he refused to include the same line.
This decision highlights his commitment to making even small changes where possible.
After coming out as transgender, Page’s journey was seamlessly incorporated into the storyline of the Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, where he plays Viktor Hargreeves.Page expressed gratitude for the support of showrunner Steve Blackman, saying: “I called him nervously and he was incredible. If anything, he was the one who was very insistent on immediately having it be a part of the show and supported me to be able to access the care I was hoping to get at that time.”
This inclusion was praised for its sensitivity and representation, marking an important moment for trans visibility in mainstream media.
Page is now an LGBTQ+ advocateBonnie Biess/Getty Images for Lesbians Who Tech & Allie
In an interview with Time Magazine, Page discussed the persistent lack of representation for trans individuals in Hollywood.Despite these challenges, he has emerged as a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
He shared his hopes for the future, saying: “Hope for me is for those who continuously resist and support each other,”
Page first announced his transition in a heartfelt Instagram post, where he expressed overwhelming joy and gratitude for reaching a point in his life where he could accept and love himself fully.
This announcement was widely celebrated and marked a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility.
