Matt Bomer Says He Lost Superman Role Because He Is Gay

Matt Bomer, known for his role in ‘White Collar,’ once nearly landed the role of Clark Kent in a Superman film that ultimately never saw the light of day. The project, titled ‘Superman: Flyby,’ was an early creation by writer J.J. Abrams but it never progressed to production. Bomer shared on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast that he was on track to don the cape after signing a deal for three movies with Warner Bros.

Bomer believes that his chances diminished when he was outed as gay. At that time, he feels that this aspect of his personal life was used against him in the industry, potentially costing him the role. Although the details of how and by whom remain unclear, he understands that these circumstances played a part in the decision.

The role of Superman has seen various actors over the years. After the cancellation of ‘Superman: Flyby,’ the character was portrayed by Brandon Routh in 2006’s ‘Superman Returns.’ Following him, Henry Cavill took up the mantle in several films within the DCEU. Most recently, David Corenswet has been cast as the newest face of Superman in an upcoming film by James Gunn, set to release on July 11, 2025.

Jude Law also revealed his near involvement with ‘Superman: Flyby.’ He even tried on a ‘metallic’ suit for the role but eventually declined because he didn’t feel confident enough to take it on. Like Bomer, he noted that the film was scrapped before it could get off the ground.

This story sheds light on the struggles actors can face due to their personal identities, contrasting sharply with the more inclusive approaches we see in casting today. As fans, we look forward to seeing how Corenswet will take on the iconic role and bring his own touch to the legendary superhero.

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