Matt Bomer Says He Lost Chance To Play Superman After Being Outed As Gay

"That was a time in the industry when something like that could still really be weaponized against you," recalled the actor, who came out in 2012.

Matt Bomer may be one of Hollywood’s most sought-after film and television actors these days, but he says he lost out on a major role early in his career after being outed as gay.

Appearing on The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast Monday, Bomer recalled auditioning decades ago for the titular role in “Superman: Flyby,” a planned film written by J.J. Abrams and set to be directed by Brett Ratner.

“It looked like I was the director’s choice for the role,” he said, noting that the project was linked to a three-picture deal he’d recently signed with Warner Bros. “It never came to light.”

When Bomer was asked if his sexuality had been a factor in losing the part, he said, “Yeah, that’s my understanding.”

He continued: “That was a time in the industry when something like that could still really be weaponized against you. How, and why, and who [was involved], I don’t know. But yeah, that’s my understanding.”