Elliott Page is "proud" of transition storyline in Umbrella Academy

Page's character's transition carefully and sensitively reflects the actor's own journey with his gender identity.

Still of Elliott Page on Seth Meyer's show talking about his Umbrella Academy character's transition
Image: Via YouTube @ Late Night With Seth Meyers

The Umbrella Academy season three spoilers ahead.

Season three of The Umbrella Academy has just landed on Netflix and Elliott Page is “excited” for audiences to see the beautiful handling of his character’s transition as the new series opens.

Season three introduces us to Viktor Hargreeves, the Umbrella Academy’s violin-playing Number Seven, who presents his true self to his family in the second episode.

Beware of season three spoilers from this point on.

Viktor tiptoes into being as Page’s character relives words spoken by last season’s love interest, Sissy. “You don’t even notice the box that you’re in until someone comes along and lets you out,” he recalls her saying, noting in the new season’s first episode that “she saw me for who I really am.”

“Who’s Viktor?” the Umbrellas ask upon the introduction.

“I am. It’s who I’ve always been,” Page’s counterpart replies, echoing the actor’s own experiences of coming to terms with his gender identity.

“Truly happy for you Viktor,” Number Five assures his brother.

His family embrace Viktor with nothing but love and support, showing audiences the best and most supportive way to handle a loved one’s transition. Later on, discussing his gender with Allison, the character poignantly observes, “You know, I always hated mirrors, I thought everybody felt so strange in their skin. I guess that’s not true right?”

The script beautifully handles a deeply sensitive moment when a Trans person reveals their true self to the world and the credit is, in part, due to Page for his heartfelt and authentic performance as Viktor, but also for sharing his personal experiences with showrunner Steve Blackman to ensure the storyline was handled with care.

Credit is due also, Page notes in an interview with Seth Meyers, to “incredible writer, journalist, author” Thomas McBee who joined the team to help shape the story, with major script rewrites taking place just two weeks before production was scheduled to begin.

“I feel proud of it,” the young actor said, “and excited for people to see it.”

To see firsthand the beautiful evolution and transition of Viktor Hargreeves played by the sensational Elliott Page, check out The Umbrella Academy season three on Netflix now.

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