The Truth About Alexander Skarsgard And Elliot Page
Whenever two actors star in a movie about a couple or some other intimate relationship, rumors immediately start to circle that they're actually intimately involved with each other off-screen, too. It's not wrong for fans to speculate, given that actors actually falling for each other on set (or cheating on their IRL partners with their co-stars) does happen every once in a while. But for The East stars Alexander Skarsgard and Elliot Page, rumors about a possible fling started because of another age old Hollywood tradition — hyping a movie.
Back in 2013, a picture of Skarsgard and Page cuddling with each other started to make its rounds on social media. Per People, people immediately started wondering if the two were an item. You can see why: The picture exudes so much chemistry it makes your teeth hurt. They look very much in love. At the time, Page even retweeted the pic with the caption, "Canadian tuxedo party," making a joke about how they're both wearing denim outfits.
Dating rumors were inadvertently started by 'The East' director
But that's all the picture was at the end of the day: a joke. Although they would have made a cute couple, the picture was tweeted out by The East director Zal Batmanglij, which Elliot Page and Alexander Skarsgard were starring in together at the time. After sources close to both parties confirmed that nothing was happening between the two stars, it's safe to assume that the image was just to show off the film's stars and to get people hyped about the indie film.
Although they might have made a great Hollywood couple, both stars have found love elsewhere since starring in the 2013 film. Page married his wife, Emma Portner, in 2018. The two are happily together, with Portner sharing a statement supporting Page after he came out as transgender in December 2020. Portner wrote, "Elliot's existence is a gift in and of itself. Shine on sweet E. Love you so much."
Meanwhile, Skarsgard is still single, but has dated some of Hollywood and fashion's biggest names. He's been linked to Elizabeth Olsen, Kate Bosworth, Alexa Chung, Alicia Vikander, Charlize Theron, and Katie Holmes, among others. So even though he was never publicly linked to Page in real life, they've both been doing just fine when it comes to their romantic lives.
How Elliot Page came out as trans
Elliot Page has long been an outspoken member of the LGBTQ+ community and in late 2020, took a major step by sharing their transgender identity. They said in a statement posted to social media, "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." They added, "I also ask for patience. My joy is real, but it is also fragile. The truth is, despite feeling profoundly happy right now and knowing how much privilege I carry, I am also scared. I'm scared of the invasiveness, the hate, the 'jokes' and of violence."
As previously mentioned, Elliot's wife Emma Portner supported them on social media as well and applauded their courage for coming out.
Did Alexander Skarsgard respond to Elliot Page's news?
As of this writing, Alexander Skarsgard hasn't publicly commented on his former co-star and rumored love interest's news — but many other celebs did. Anna Kendrick tweeted, "Elliot Page's words here are so beautiful and so eloquent, and he is reminding me that we can all be brave and joyful, even when things are scary. And this year especially, that reminder is such a GIFT."
Others also shared Page's message with all the supportive words they could find. Mia Farrow, for example, tweeted, "Wishing you every blessing and happiness as you begin your new adventure dear Elliot!! How great!" Natasha Rothwell, from Insecure, also spoke out on social media, saying, "Good morning to Elliot, and Elliot only." Natasha Lyonne, Kat Dennings, Olivia Munn, Patricia Arquette, and many others also showed their love and support for him, per Insider. Also per the outlet, the Netflix show Umbrella Academy, which stars Page, tweeted out his announcement with the caption, "So proud of our superhero. WE LOVE YOU ELLIOT!!!"
While it was once rumored that Page and Skarsgard were together while working on the movie The East, Page seems very happily married these days and surrounded by friends and colleagues who support him.