Matt Bomer revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast that he believes his sexual orientation played a role in him being passed over for the role of Superman in the 2000s.
Bomer, 46, recalled being seriously considered for the role of Clark Kent/Superman in a film titled “Superman: Flyby,” penned by J.J. Abrams. However, the project never materialized.
“This is a very early iteration of Superman written by J.J. Abrams, called “Superman: Flyby“, I think is what it was called, and it never came to light,” Bomer reflected. He noted that his producers on the soap opera “Guiding Light” even released his character, seeing potential for him to portray the iconic superhero.
“It looked like I was the director’s choice for the role,” Bomer remarked. “I signed a three-picture deal at Warner Bros.”
When asked if his sexual orientation was a factor in his casting, Bomer responded, “Yeah, that’s my understanding.”
“That was a time in the industry when something like that could still really be weaponized against you,” he added. “How, and why, and who, I don’t know, but yeah, that’s my understanding.”
Bomer publicly came out as gay in 2012, thanking his husband Simon Halls and their children during an acceptance speech at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. Despite the potential for him to play Superman, no “Superman: Flyby” film was ever produced. In 2006, Bryan Singer released “Superman Returns,” starring Brandon Routh in the titular role.
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Author Jackie Collins shared a similar anecdote in a 2012 interview with Gaydar Radio, as reported by Advocate. Collins recounted that someone had informed producers that Bomer was gay, resulting in him not being cast for the role.
The role of Superman is set for a reboot with James Gunn’s “Superman: Legacy,” scheduled for release next summer, featuring David Corenswet in the lead role.
