Elliot Page Discusses Viktor Hargreeves’ Journey and Future of Trans Stories

During the season one finale of The Umbrella Academy, Viktor Hargreeves blew up the moon, leading to a global apocalypse that forced him and his superhero siblings into another timeline. Three seasons later, after various universe-altering adventures, the show’s final six episodes depict Viktor playing a pivotal role in saving the world he once endangered.

“Let’s not get it twisted, he still has stuff,” Page tells The Hollywood Reporter about Viktor’s evolution in the last season. “He’s dealing with a lot of anger, but in a healthier way this time. He doesn’t blow up the moon.”

Page explains that Viktor works through his “daddy issues,” thanks in part to an alternate universe version of Sir Reginald Hargreeves. It took several seasons of cosmic events for Viktor’s journey to culminate, all inspired by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba’s comics.

In season three, the adopted and dysfunctional siblings of The Umbrella Academy survive a world-ending event, only to find themselves in a 2019 without their powers. Steve Blackman, the series’ creator, aimed to show a “more comfortable-in-his-skin Viktor,” transitioning from a masked superhero to someone who might prefer an “ordinary life.”

Season four introduces a six-year time jump, where Viktor is now a bar owner. Page elaborates that Viktor has been living more authentically, possibly undergoing testosterone therapy, feeling more grounded and unburdened by his powers.

Another crucial event is Viktor’s gender transition, thoughtfully depicted in season three, mirroring Page’s own life. This storyline has helped Viktor become less burdened by insecurities and familial suppression, both of his powers and his identity.

“He’s actually living life and connecting with people. He’s no longer anxious and closed off, but instead, shoulders back,” Page says. In season four, Viktor regains his powers in the premiere episode, now portrayed as a more concentrated form of sound and energy manipulation. This transformation indicates Viktor’s improved self-awareness, allowing him to control his abilities better.

“His power is connected to his emotional state. Initially, it exploded out of him in anger, but now he’s learning to focus it,” Page notes. This season showcases Viktor’s growth, stemming from a deeper understanding of himself and his past.

While the siblings initially struggled with familial bonds, by season four, they have grown to truly become a family. Viktor, the “ultimate outsider,” evolves by seeing things differently from the outset of the series.

“At the beginning, Viktor felt distanced from his siblings due to his book revealing their harsh childhood. His honesty eventually led the siblings to confront their trauma and evolve,” says Page. Viktor’s revelations forced them all to address and change the negative impacts of their upbringing.

Throughout the series, Viktor has emerged as one of TV’s better reflections of the trans experience, even if it wasn’t planned from the beginning. From being an outcast in season one to a powerful yet emotionally connected individual, Viktor’s journey represents an impactful narrative for trans representation.

“Representation doesn’t solve everything, but it’s very important. Even small glimmers of queer representation meant a lot to me growing up, even when I didn’t know why,” Page tells THR. “With the current attitudes towards trans people, representation is crucial.”

Despite the challenges Hollywood faces in telling such stories, Page remains hopeful. “I sometimes wonder what will happen with trans stories in Hollywood. Will they continue to cast trans people? Let’s keep telling these stories and give more opportunities to those who deserve them.”

All episodes of The Umbrella Academy are streaming on Netflix.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter