Matt Bomer reveals he came close to playing Superman but lost the role after being declared gay.
Renowned actor Matt Bomer, 46, recently shared a significant episode from his acting career that surprised many of his followers. Bomer, famous for his roles in “White Collar” and more recently in “Fellow Travelers,” was on the verge of portraying one of DC Comics’ most iconic superheroes: Superman.
In an interview for The Hollywood Reporter‘s “Awards Chatter” podcast, Bomer revealed details about his experience auditioning for the role of Superman in a Warner Bros. film in the early 2000s. “I went to a massive audition for Superman, and then it turned into a month-long experience, where I had to audition over and over again,” recalled the actor.
Bomer explained that he was progressing through the selection process until his personal life became a hurdle. According to the actor, he was “outed” as gay during the auditions, which he believes was the reason he didn’t land the role. At that time, the film industry was still hesitant to openly accept LGBTQ+ actors in high-profile roles, especially for such iconic characters like Superman.
Although Bomer wasn’t ultimately cast for the role, which ended up going to Brandon Routh for the 2006 film “Superman Returns,” the actor has continued to build a successful and diverse career in Hollywood. His talent and perseverance have allowed him to overcome obstacles and establish himself as one of the most respected actors of his generation.
This revelation from Bomer underscores the challenges LGBTQ+ actors have faced in the entertainment industry and the importance of representation and equality in all aspects of film and television.