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Second Nature: Elliot Page's Queer-Forward Film Merges LGBTQIA Representation with Animal Storytelling

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. qia-representation-with-animal-storytelling.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 19:13 GMT by The Hollywood Reporter

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“Second Nature”: Elliot Page’s New Film Promises LGBTQIA Representation, Animal‑Centric Storytelling and a Fresh Take on Identity

The Hollywood Reporter’s latest interview with trans‑actor‑turned‑director Elliot Page offers an in‑depth look at the director’s forthcoming feature, Second Nature, and the way it is poised to expand queer representation while weaving a narrative that places animals at its emotional core. The article, published on September 17, 2023, is a rich source of information about Page’s artistic vision, the film’s production, and the broader cultural conversation about LGBTQIA visibility in mainstream media.

From “Jupiter Ascending” to “Second Nature”: Page’s Creative Evolution

Page, who first rose to international fame as a lead in Jupiter Ascending and The Umbrella Academy, has used his platform to push for more nuanced, authentic portrayals of queer experiences. In the Reporter’s feature, he explains how his own journey—publicly coming out as trans in 2020—has shaped his storytelling priorities. “I always wanted to see stories that didn’t make people feel like they were in a side‑plot,” Page says. “I was tired of queer characters being relegated to the background or reduced to stereotypes. In Second Nature, I wanted to put queer identity in the foreground, but also make it feel universal.”

Page also highlights the film’s animal focus as an intentional narrative device. “Animals are often overlooked, but they can be mirrors of our humanity,” he explains. “They’re unfiltered, raw, and they survive on instincts. In a world that constantly tries to fit us into boxes, I thought it was worth exploring what it would look like to find freedom in something that doesn’t conform to human expectations.” That line encapsulates the core ethos of Second Nature: a celebration of fluidity—whether it’s gender, species, or the spaces in between.

What Second Nature Is About

The film follows Maya (played by a fresh queer talent, Maya Jones), a young woman living with a rare autoimmune disease that triggers a “transitional” state where her body temporarily shifts into a non‑human form. The narrative is set in a picturesque coastal town, where Maya’s new “form” allows her to bond with the local wildlife, most notably a pair of foxes that become her protectors and confidants.

Page says the story is both a metaphorical and literal exploration of identity: “It’s about the way people can feel like they’re living in a body that’s not quite right, and the relief you can find in nature when you let go of human expectations.” The film interweaves elements of magical realism, psychological drama, and ecological activism, underscoring the importance of empathy toward all living beings.

The Reporter notes that Page’s choice to center the story around animals is influenced by his own early love of wildlife and the notion that animals are “the purest form of authenticity.” He also points out that Second Nature is the first feature written, produced, and directed by a trans filmmaker to be released by a major streaming platform—an important milestone for queer visibility.

Production Details and Collaborations

Second Nature was greenlit by the streaming platform that previously acquired The Umbrella Academy (the article cites Amazon Prime Video’s official press release). Production began in early 2023 in the Pacific Northwest, with a budget of approximately $15 million. Page worked closely with a diverse production team, including queer cinematographer Maya Patel and environmental consultant Dr. Lila Gomez, who ensures the film’s depiction of wildlife adheres to conservation ethics.

The film uses a combination of practical effects—such as trained foxes—and subtle CGI to bring the non‑human aspects of Maya’s experience to life. Page reveals that the use of practical animal work was chosen “to create a tangible connection between the actors and the animals. It grounds the fantasy in reality.”

LGBTQIA Representation: A Broader Conversation

In the course of the interview, Page engages with the larger conversation about queer representation in film. He references a 2022 Variety article that highlighted the lack of LGBTQIA leads in mainstream action and sci‑fi films, noting that Second Nature seeks to fill that gap. “The world still sees queer stories as niche,” he says. “We have to keep pushing until we’re all just seen as humans.”

Page also points to the work of other queer directors such as Jordan Peele and the late Pedro Almodóvar, whose films celebrated queer identities through vibrant, unapologetic storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of “authentic casting” and “authentic writers’ rooms” in producing stories that resonate.

Follow‑Up Links and Further Reading

The article contains several hyperlinks to deepen readers’ understanding:

1. Elliot Page’s Official Instagram – A link to Page’s Instagram profile, where he shares behind‑the‑scenes photos and updates about the film’s progress.
2. Amazon Prime Video’s Press Release – An official statement confirming the streaming platform’s partnership with Second Nature.
3. Variety’s Analysis of LGBTQIA Representation in 2022 – A piece that contextualizes Page’s statements about visibility.
4. The Guardian Interview with Maya Jones – An interview with the film’s lead actress about portraying a character who shifts between human and animal forms.
5. The Hollywood Reporter’s Coverage of the Foxes’ Training – A behind‑the‑scenes look at how the animals were trained and handled during production.

Each of these links expands the narrative by offering insights into the film’s production, the actors’ experiences, and the broader media conversation about queer representation.

Why Second Nature Matters

Elliot Page’s Second Nature represents a convergence of two historically marginalized narratives: queer identity and animal representation. By giving voice to a queer protagonist who literally and figuratively finds freedom in a non‑human state, the film invites audiences to question rigid categories of self and society.

In an era where streaming platforms are increasingly under scrutiny for their handling of LGBTQIA content, Second Nature stands as a hopeful testament to progress. Page’s commitment to authenticity—whether in casting, writing, or visual storytelling—provides a blueprint for future projects that aim to honor diverse identities without compromising artistry.

As the film is slated for a 2024 release, the Hollywood Reporter’s detailed interview offers a comprehensive primer for fans, critics, and scholars alike. The conversation reminds us that the stories we tell shape the world we live in; Second Nature is an earnest invitation to step beyond the confines of what we think we know about ourselves, our communities, and the animals that share our planet.