Superman has been a beloved comic book character for decades, resulting in numerous film adaptations over the years. With anticipation building for James Gunn’s upcoming DC movie, which will launch the DCU’s first phase: “Gods and Monsters,” two notable actors have recently shared their experiences of narrowly missing out on playing the iconic role of Superman. Matt Bomer and Jude Law have opened up about their near-misses, shedding light on the challenges they faced in their careers.
Matt Bomer’s Story: Losing Superman Due to Sexuality
Matt Bomer, known for his impressive roles in “Magic Mike,” “American Horror Story,” and “Fellow Travelers,” revealed his close call with playing Superman in a scrapped project by J.J. Abrams. Speaking on THR’s Awards Chatter podcast, Bomer discussed the difficulties he faced as an LGBTQ+ actor in Hollywood. Despite his undeniable talent and physical suitability for the role, Bomer believes his sexuality played a significant part in him losing out on the chance to play the Man of Steel.
Bomer’s story highlights the barriers that LGBTQ+ actors still face in the industry. He had signed a multi-picture deal for Abrams’ “Superman: Flyby,” but the project ultimately fell through. Reflecting on this, Bomer candidly shared how his sexuality was seen as a detriment to his career opportunities at the time.
Jude Law’s Brush with Superman
Jude Law, another actor who seemed like a perfect fit for Superman, also shared his experience of almost donning the famous cape. Law, known for his roles in “Captain Marvel” and the “Fantastic Beasts” series, recently spoke to The Playlist about his close encounter with the role of Clark Kent/Superman. He even got to the point of trying on the Superman suit, which he described as an exciting but ultimately unconvincing experience.
Despite the allure of playing such an iconic character, Law ultimately decided against taking the role. His story, much like Bomer’s, reflects the unpredictable nature of the film industry where even perfect matches on paper don’t always materialize on screen.
Looking Forward to the New Superman
As James Gunn’s new DC Universe takes shape, fans are eager to see which actors will step into these legendary roles. David Corenswet has been cast as the new Superman, but many details about the upcoming film remain under wraps. With a release date set for July 11th, 2025, the excitement continues to build.
In the meantime, fans can explore the history of Superman in cinema and anticipate the fresh take Gunn’s movie will bring to the beloved superhero. The stories of Bomer and Law serve as a reminder of the many twists and turns actors face in their careers and how close some have come to playing one of the most iconic characters in film history.
For those interested in the lineup of movies for 2025, including the new Superman film, be sure to check out the latest movie release dates and stay tuned for more updates on the evolving DC Universe.
