Matt Bomer Reveals He Lost Superman Role Due to His Sexuality
In a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, actor Matt Bomer opened up about a missed opportunity that could have significantly changed the trajectory of his career. Bomer, known for his roles in “White Collar” and “American Horror Story,” revealed that he was under serious consideration to play Superman in a film that was in development in the early 2000s. The project, titled “Superman: Flyby,” ultimately never came to fruition, but Bomer’s insight into why he lost the role sheds light on the entertainment industry’s past attitudes towards LGBTQ+ actors.
At the time of his potential casting, Bomer was starring in the soap opera “Guiding Light.” The anticipation of him landing the iconic superhero role was so strong that he was written off the show after signing a three-picture deal with Warner Bros. However, Bomer disclosed that the real reason he didn’t don the red cape was due to his sexuality. Although he publicly came out in 2012, Bomer’s sexuality was known in certain circles much earlier.
Author Jackie Collins corroborated Bomer’s experience in an interview with Gaydar Radio, asserting that an influential individual had informed the producers about Bomer being gay, leading to his exclusion from the role. “Someone didn’t like him and told [the producers] he was gay,” Collins stated. “They said, ‘No, no, we can’t cast you.’ The reason he didn’t get cast was because he was gay.”
“Superman: Flyby,” which would have been directed by Brett Ratner and produced by J.J. Abrams, faced numerous hurdles and was ultimately shelved. Yet, the revelation that Bomer’s sexuality played a role in his casting rejection is a stark reminder of the discrimination that LGBTQ+ actors have historically faced in Hollywood.
Bomer’s career, nonetheless, has flourished. He has received critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base for his diverse roles across television, film, and theater. His courage to speak out about his experiences adds to the ongoing conversation about representation and equality in the entertainment industry.
As fans and industry professionals alike reflect on what could have been, one question remains: Should Matt Bomer have been the “Man of Steel”? His talent and dedication to his craft suggest he would have brought something extraordinary to the role. However, his journey serves as a testament to the resilience required to succeed in an industry that is slowly but surely evolving to become more inclusive.
Xtralities, what do you think? Should Matt have been the “Man of Steel”?
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