Page came out as transgender last year
Netflix has been applauded for their snappy edit to the first two seasons of Umbrella Academy after lead Elliot Page came out as trans.
The Canadian actor came out last year, sparking support from fans who also wondered what would happen to Page’s character on Umbrella Academy. But without any fuss, Netflix changed the character of Vanya Hargreeves to Viktor Hargreeves.
With season three now in full swing, having been released Wednesday, fans have praised the streaming giant after noticing edits to the first two seasons. Eagle-eyed viewers had spotted the name Elliot Page, 35, in the credits of seasons one and two, meaning editors went back and altered it.
“Say what you will about Netflix but it’s really touching how they (and the umbrella academy team) went and edited the credits since season one to say “Elliot Page” when Elliot came out,” one fan wrote.
I’m restarting Umbrella Academy from the beginning and I love whoever updated Elliot’s name in the first season credits.
— Aoife “Fe” Baker (@vivaciousvandal) June 23, 2022
Another added: “I’m restarting Umbrella Academy from the beginning and I love whoever updated Elliot’s name in the first season credits.”
Netflix’s approach to trans characters comes amid a backlash over its refusal to remove content from their platform that’s been branded transphobic. Netflix’s CEO Ted Sarandos defended both Ricky Gervais and Dave Chappelle against those who dubbed them “transphobic” for their recent comedy specials.
THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY IS OUT!!! Even if you're not into superhero stuff, I highly recommend watching this season in support of Elliot Page! Not only did the crew go back and change his name in the credits of every past episode but also wrote his transition into the script! https://t.co/6PV8GXFZds
— Hosta ~Comms Open~ (@HostaDoodles) June 22, 2022
While both comedians defended their acts as just “comedy”, Sarandos told the New York Times that: “I think it’s very important to the American culture generally to have free expression.
“We’re programming for a lot of diverse people who have different opinions and different tastes and different styles,” he continued. “And yet we’re not making everything for everybody. We want something for everybody, but everything’s not going to be for everybody.”
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- Elliot Page will to continue to play Vanya in The Umbrella Academy