Bomer’s Journey to Superman
In the early 2000s, Matt Bomer was on the brink of portraying one of the most iconic superheroes of all time—Superman. During a recent appearance on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Bomer revealed that his dreams of donning the red cape were dashed after he was outed as gay.
The actor shared candid details about how his sexual orientation influenced his career trajectory and the impact it had on his chance to play Clark Kent.
The Unmade Film: “Superman: Flyby”
Bomer was in serious consideration for the role in a film titled “Superman: Flyby,” written by J.J. Abrams. The project, which ultimately never saw the light of day, would have offered a unique take on the beloved character.
“This is a very early iteration of Superman written by J.J. Abrams, called Superman: Flyby,” Bomer recounted. “It never came to light.”
A Lost Opportunity
At the time, Bomer was so close to landing the role that his producers on the soap opera Guiding Light wrote off his character, believing he had secured the Superman role.
“It looked like I was the director’s choice for the role,” Bomer said. “I signed a three-picture deal at Warner Bros.”
However, Bomer believes that his sexual orientation played a significant role in losing the part.
“Yeah, that’s my understanding,” he responded when asked if being outed affected his casting. “That was a time in the industry when something like that could still really be weaponized against you. How, and why, and who, I don’t know, but yeah, that’s my understanding.”
Industry Reaction and Support
A representative for Warner Bros. did not respond to requests for comment. However, Bomer’s experience echoes sentiments shared by others in the industry. Author Jackie Collins once mentioned a similar situation regarding Bomer in a 2012 interview with Gaydar Radio, noting that a negative reaction to his sexuality influenced casting decisions.
Moving Forward
Despite the setback, Bomer has continued to thrive in Hollywood. He eventually came out publicly in 2012, during an acceptance speech at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards, where he thanked his husband Simon Halls and their three children.
“Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment,” he said.
Continued Success
Since then, Bomer has taken on various roles that have allowed him to showcase his talent, including voicing Superman in the animated film “Superman: Unbound” and starring in the series “White Collar.” He has also portrayed gay characters in critically acclaimed films such as “The Normal Heart” and “The Boys in the Band.”
Most recently, Bomer starred opposite Jonathan Bailey in the romantic drama “Fellow Travelers,” earning him significant Emmy buzz.
Looking Ahead
As Hollywood continues to evolve, Bomer’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ actors in the industry. His resilience and continued success highlight the importance of representation and acceptance in all facets of entertainment.
With the upcoming release of James Gunn’s “Superman: Legacy,” starring David Corenswet, the legacy of Superman continues, though the story of what might have been with Bomer remains a compelling chapter in Hollywood history.