16 Queer Stars Who Can Take On Playing Superman
With producer/director James Gunn already having made a juggernaut of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), he's now taking on the other comic book franchise, DC Comics, and their film division. The news hit some fans like a ton of kryptonite especially when it was announced Gunn and his co-CEO Peter Safran were overhauling the entire universe, starting with Superman.
Originally, Henry Cavill was supposed to reprise his role as The Man of Steel, something that was teased in 2022's "Black Adam." But, in December the British actor surprised hyped stans by announcing that he would not return to the part, which leaves the door wide open for hundreds of other actors who think they can successfully reboot the superhero.
Although Superman canon implies the character is white, straight and cis, there is no reason why he can't be played by a beautiful, out queer actor. Straight actors have been playing gay characters for years. Luke Macfarlane, the star of last year's mainstream gay rom-com "Bros," recenly said when he came out to an agent, the agent told him, "Superman can't be gay." While that isn't entirely true, it still doesn't mean a gay actor can't play him.
Here is our list of out gay actors we think could possibly fly above tradition and fill out the famous red and blue skinsuit in both physique and personality.
Luke Macfarlane
Let's start with Macfarlane himself. The 42-year-old actor has proven he can handle both stage and screen. He got his start playing it straight for Hallmark's oeuvre of romantic holiday films. But it is his role as Billy Eichner's boyfriend, Aaron, in "Bros" that shows he can be both cute and aggressively rough.
Matt Bomer
Matt Bomer has often been referred to as one of "America's Sexiest Men." Superman looks sexy both in his super suit and street clothes. We imagine Bomer, a regular in the Ryan Murphy-verse, does too. In addition, he has already played Kal-El/Clark Kent in the animated movie "Superman: Unbound (2013)." It might be time to see what he can do with the character in live-action.
Jeremy Pope
With his star-turning role as Archie in Ryan Murphy's "Hollywood" and last year with his buzzy role as a gay Marine in "The Inspection," Jeremy Pope is the epitome of new Hollywood; unapologetically queer actors occupying space in the industry. It is this courageous attitude that — much like Superman does with his archenemies — will help defeat banal injustices and allow people of every type to soar in the industry.
Chris Salvatore
This hirsute hunk got his start in the popular "Eating Out" movies before he became super popular on OnlyFans. His signature smile is enough to make Lex Luthor bi-curious. There is something about his boy-next-door charm and finely cut hardbody that would embody both the Man of Steel's do-gooder attitude and his incessant need to dominate supervillains.
Brandon Flynn
If James Gunn is thinking about doing a Superman movie that focuses on the hero's younger years, "13 Reasons Why" star Brandon Flynn, 29, is a great choice. His cleft chin, adorable dimples, and flashy smile are irresistible. As far as Superman energy, this actor has proven that he can play both lighthearted and dramatic roles, which if you are familiar with Superman's origin story requires a well-balanced combination of each.
Blake Young-Fountain
Blake Young-Fountain is known for his roles in both "Grown-ish" and "The Mindy Project," but it was his performance in The Skinny (2012) that got him noticed. The actor has long been a trailblazer for Black gay actors in Hollywood. He once told Ebony magazine that the generally favorable Ellen DeGeneres experience of coming out isn't applicable to everyone, "And I understand that, I guess, but I just have to keep on truckin.'" Or flying, in this case.
Jannick Schuman
Primarily a German-speaking actor, Jannick would have some vocal work to do if he were to play Superman; the 30-year-old would have to get rid of his thick accent. If that's possible there might be no reason he couldn't be considered to play the part. He has got that sculpted face, piercing blue eyes, and a heroic grin. All of which would make him appealing to a diverse audience.
Chella Man
Chella Man is already a part of the DC Universe. The Chinese-American, queergender deaf actor played Jericho in the superhero series "Titans." For the Superman role, Man would not only be able to fight crime with his superhuman abilities but, as he once said in a tweet after getting cast as Jericho, "The power of his differences."
Charlie Carver
When you first look at "American Horror Story" star Charlie Carver, he might not seem to have a traditional Superman presence. However, look a bit closer and you can imagine those puppy-dog eyes, brilliant smile, and toned body tucked inside the iconic skin-tight suit.
Jake Graf
This multi-award-winning English actor seems a perfect fit to play Superman. Much like the DC superhero, Graf had struggles with his identity at a young age. Feeling isolated from the world as a trans man, Graf found his power through activism and representation in film. These are abilities beyond what Krypton can provide.
Colton Haynes
As a part of the hit MTV series "Teen Wolf," Haynes has already proven he can transform into a believable superhuman with extraordinary strength. The actor, 34, has been very vocal about the homophobia he experienced in Hollywood when he was younger and overcoming that injustice. That might make him a Superman already, but we'd still like to see how he does in a red cape.
Johnny Sibilly
Another "Pose" alumnus, Sibilly is a strong advocate for Latinx and LGBTQ+ rights. His recent role as Wilson on HBO Max's "Hacks" proves that he can be both sexy and vulnerable. Playing Superman would not only mean visibility, but a chance to see the well-toned actor flesh out the costume.
Ronen Rubinstein
Superman saves lives, something Rubinstein is used to in his TV series "9-1-1: Lone Star." As a graduate of the New York Film Academy, this bisexual 29-year-old has the acting chops to take on Superman's inner strife as an orphaned alien while maintaining his secret identity as a mild-mannered journalist. Again, if Gunn decides to go younger in his DCU, then Rubinstein might be a great choice.
Jonathan Groff
Assuming that the Gunn reboot of Superman will have lots of action scenes, Groff has already been there and done that, playing agent Smith in 2021's "The Matrix: Resurrections." At 37, the actor has portrayed everything from an F.B.I. protagonist in "Mindhunter" to a Disney love interest in both of Disney's animated "Frozen" films.
Darryl Stephens
As the titular character in the series "Noah's Arc," Stephens is familiar with playing a character overcoming social injustices. As Superman he could fight crime and act as a representative of equality and inclusion, bringing meaning to the superhero's motto, "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow."
Jonathan Bailey
Jonathan Bailey has many attributes that make him a good choice as the Man of Steel. Not only is he considered a bonafide sex symbol thanks to his role as Lord Anthony in "Bridgerton," but the 34-year-old is also a great adventurer in real life. He is an avid cyclist and has already scaled Mt. Everest. Additionally, you should see him in full-rimmed black glasses. Bailey is also playing Fiyero, in the 2024 theatrical release of "Wicked."