Honestly, I’m hoping so! Elliot Page, who plays Vanya on The Umbrella Academy shared the news yesterday, which I saw randomly on Twitter, that he’s Transgender, and I woke up this morning wondering if this is gonna affect Season 3 in anyway.
Funny enough, when I saw the news on Twitter, I smiled, but I originally thought it was just one of my followers coming out, so I glanced over it. I didn’t connect his name to The Umbrella Academy at all.
I was just happy that someone was living the way they wanted to. That’s hard AF, especially with social media!
And then I got an email notification, and that’s when I realized who Elliot Page was!
Here’s the letter he wrote:
“Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot. I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life. I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey. I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self. I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community. Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place. I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society,” he wrote.”
This morning I woke up thinking about the news, and wondering if The Umbrella Academy would touch on being trans, the way they touched on racism, in Season 3.
But of course, I know nothing about the original comic book, Season 3’s production, rewriting, etc. etc. Basically I know nothing bih! Y’all probably know more than I do! Which is why I’m writing this post today.
In a perfect world, Netflix would adapt the show so that they can touch on trans rights, and trans awareness, the way they touched on racism. The Umbrella Academy has a lot of … for a lack of a better word at the moment … clout! They could use this as a way to really help the trans community.
Yet, while this ‘clout’ could be a great thing, it could also be a bad thing? Like …
Can the world handle this?
We’ve come along way since Caitlyn Jenner, but the world hasn’t evolved enough. There are still tons of hateful people in the world!
So could the world handle one of their favorite shows highlighting the trans community?
Probably not.
Would Netflix do it? Could Netflix do it?
Which is probably why Netflix wouldn’t be down either. I mean, the show is going into Season 3 and it’s extremely popular! Plus, production is probably already underway.
Would they be able to rewrite the story?
Could they rewrite the story?
I mean, Elliot’s character, Vanya, is queer in the show! And last I remember, Vanya was leaning into her true self. So the show could possibly be written to include the trans community. But would, could Netflix do that?
According to Variety, “There are no plans to change the character’s gender.” Netflix is however, updating Page’s name to reflect the change. Which isn’t really a real win, since that’s probably what they would do for anyone right? *sigh* I don’t know! Remember, I know nothing! But … in a “perfect world” I’m sure more would be done? I don’t know, because even if Netflix agreed to rewrite things …
Is it possible to stray away from the comic book, again?
Apparently, Allison wasn’t Black in the comic, and I’m not sure comic book fans could handle another change to their holy grail. *rolls eyes*
People take these things very seriously! I’m not sure folks would be happy if Netflix decided to change things. Which goes back to my point – the world probably can’t handle this!
But also …
Would a change to Season 3 be safe?
Knowing that the world can’t handle change, and knowing that comic book fans think the world is ending when the original is changed, even if we could change things, I’m not sure how safe it would be for Elliot!
Forget the studios, I’m wondering if folks would take their anger out on him personally.
Hate mail, nasty comments on social media, boycotting the show, and god knows what else, are a lot to deal with.
I’m still scared to check the comments on my own posts about the news on Tik Tok, Instagram, and Insta Reels at the moment, because I’m an empath and depending on how much screaming I have to do today, this could derail my whole day! So I’m scared to think about what would happen if the script for season 3 of The Umbrella Academy changed.
Would fans use this as an opportunity to learn more about the trans community or would they use it as an excuse to stop watching the show?
Personally, I don’t know enough about the trans community. What I’ve learned has been mostly from shows on Freeform covering the topic! (S/O to The Fosters for highlighting trans issues and allowing me to learn through a show I loved!) And because it’s so easy to understand when shown in our media, I’d love for The Umbrella Academy to touch on this.
I know the sole responsibility shouldn’t be left on Elliot, the trans community, or Netflix for us to educate ourselves, but I think the best way to learn is from the source.
If this was about how folks feel about racism, I’d talk to Black folks, right? So when it comes to the trans community, I’d much rather have them tell me what’s okay.
But how many others could say the same? How many would turn away from the show if things changed? I’m not sure. I doubt Netflix is sure. So I don’t know!
But what I do know is that, I’m happy Elliot is living in his truth. As someone who lost their true selves growing up, because everyone wanted me to be someone else, I can imagine what life is like when you can’t be you!
I’m not apart of the LGBTQA community, so I don’t know for sure, but with loved ones apart of the community, and hearing their stories, and seeing the news, I know it’s not easy!
I know it’s scary to come out to the world, I know they fear for their lives, and I hope one day they won’t have to!
As for season 3 of The Umbrella Academy, I’m not sure if the news about Elliot Page will change anything, but I am excited to see how fans react! What do you think? Should things change?
More on The Umbrella Academy below ….
21 Of The Best Quotes From Season 2 Of The Umbrella Academy On Netflix
The Most Traumatic Scene In Season 2 Of The Umbrella Academy For Black Folks
How Doom Patrol Discusses Black Issues While The Umbrella Academy Aimlessly Highlights Them
If You Don’t Say Season 2 Of The Umbrella Academy Was Great Minus The Racism I’m Judging You
Awww thank you!!! It's so good!!