Whoopi Goldberg slams transphobic trolls criticising Elliot Page's casting in The Odyssey

Whoopi Goldberg has hit back at critics questioning trans actor Elliot Page's casting in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, telling detractors: "If you don't want to see it, don't go see it." 

Speaking on ABC's daytime talk show The View, Goldberg defended Page and criticised those attacking the actor's involvement in the blockbuster adaptation of Homer's epic poem. 

The Oscar-winning actress was responding to ongoing criticism of Page's role in the film, which has drawn backlash from some conservative commentators and social media users. 

"A lot of conservatives who see this are going to feel the same way. That's okay," Goldberg said. "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 went on to dismiss calls for others to share the same objections, adding: "You don't like Elliot Page? Don't go see the damn movie. Don't do it. We will be okay if you don't go see it." 

The discussion followed comments by conservative pundit Ben Shapiro, who criticised the casting of Page, a trans actor, in the film. Goldberg and her fellow panellists argued that audiences should judge the movie on its merits rather than focusing on the identities of its cast members. 

Page plays the Greek soldier Sinon in Nolan's adaptation, following speculation before the film's release that he would portray Achilles. 

The Odyssey has proved a major box-office success, with Goldberg noting that the film's strong performance undermines many of the criticisms levelled at its casting. 

The EGOT winner also urged critics to stop attacking films they have not seen, while fellow View panellists praised the epic as a "masterpiece" and rejected suggestions that its casting choices should overshadow the story itself.