HOME / ENTERTAINMENT / TV

After Elliot Page's transition, 'The Umbrella Academy' fans ask what happens to Vanya? Here's what Netflix said

Vanya has so far been portrayed as a cis-gendered queer woman but Vanya as a name is also both used for men and women. This would certainly ease things in the plotline

Elliot Page, on Tuesday, December 1, came out as a trans person. They wrote on Twitter, "Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot." 'The Umbrella Academy' actor further said, "I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life," adding, “I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey."

In the aftermath of this announcement, many fans of the Netflix superhero show had questions about Page’s character Vanya, who has so far been portrayed as a cis-gendered queer woman. “I wonder what this means for Their umbrella academy character next season. Will art imitate life? I hope so. Love to you Elliot,” wrote a fan on Twitter. Another fan said, “Happy for him but what exactly does this mean for Vanya? I hope it doesn’t mess things up for him.”

Some people wondered if Vanya would be recast. One Twitter user said, “Although I’m not sure what he’d do for certain roles of shows/movies going forward, particularly Umbrella Academy with the potential 3rd season & I really don’t want Vanya to be recast, maybe Elliot has Vanya transition too? Still looking forward regardless, he’s an amazing actor.” Another Twitter user said, “Curious if they'll have Vanya come out as trans or if the role will be recast? I like Elliot so I hope they keep him on.”

But Netflix seems to have quelled all worries of Page being recast. In a response to their coming-out tweet, Netflix’s official Twitter account wrote, “So proud of our superhero! WE LOVE YOU ELLIOT! Can't wait to see you return in season 3!”

Netflix did not provide any information about how Vanya’s character would be handled in ‘The Umbrella Academy’, which was renewed for a third season on November 10. Netflix has not yet announced a release date for ‘The Umbrella Academy’ Season 3, although production is set to begin in February 2021. So, it might have a late-2021 or an early-2022 release. 

Vanya as a name is both used for men and women. This would certainly ease things in the plotline. It is also possible that the show’s writers may just show a transition in the show as well. After all, the comic book version of 'The Umbrella Academy' is created and written by Gerard Way, who is actually the lead vocalist and co-founder of the rock band 'My Chemical Romance', until its split in March 2013. Way, in 2015, on Twitter said, “I have always preferred he/they,” as pronouns -- incidentally, the same as Page.

Emma Portner, praising her partner, Elliot Page, for coming out as transgender, wrote on Instagram, “I am so proud of @elliotpage. Trans, queer and non-binary people are a gift to this world. I also ask for patience & privacy but that you join me in the fervent support of trans life every single day. Elliot’s existence is a gift in and of itself. Shine on sweet E. Love you so much.”