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Superman: Flyby – The Lost Opportunity
Throughout the history of Superman movies, there have been numerous failed attempts to bring the iconic hero to the big screen. One of the most infamous of these failed projects is Superman: Flyby, a film that never saw the light of day but had the potential for greatness. One actor who came close to donning the cape was Matt Bomer, who recently revealed that his sexuality may have cost him the role.
The Audition Process
Bomer shared his experience in a recent interview, recalling how he went through a rigorous month-long audition process for the role of Superman in Flyby. Directed by Brett Ratner and penned by J.J. Abrams, the film was set to revamp the Superman story in a new and exciting way. Bomer was Ratner’s top choice for the role of Clark Kent and even signed a three-picture deal, but things took a turn for the worse.
Unfortunately, Ratner left the project in 2003, and the film was eventually revamped under director McG before Bryan Singer took over and made Superman Returns with Brandon Routh in the lead role. Bomer believes that his sexuality played a part in the studio’s decision to pass on him as the Man of Steel.
Sexuality in Hollywood
Bomer, who came out as gay in 2012, reflects on a time when being open about one’s sexuality could be used against them in the industry. He expressed his belief that his sexuality was a factor in the studio’s sudden disinterest in him for the role. While some sources denied these claims, Bomer remains convinced that his openness about being gay affected his chances.
Despite missing out on Superman, Bomer did get a chance to portray the hero in the 2013 animated film Superman: Unbound. Additionally, he found a home in the DC Universe playing Larry Trainor, aka Negative Man, in the acclaimed Doom Patrol series, a role that allowed him to bring his own experiences as a gay man to the character.
While the true reasons behind Bomer’s exclusion from Superman: Flyby may never be fully known, his journey in Hollywood serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ actors in the industry.
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