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Matt Bomer recently shared a surprising behind-the-scenes tidbit: he was almost one of the Kens in Greta Gerwig’s 2023 blockbuster Barbie. That’s right—before the pink-coated plastic paradise came to life, Bomer was in the mix, even sending in a self-tape audition where he played multiple versions of Ken, each with a different look and personality.
“I dressed up differently for each Ken,” Bomer told Vanity Fair. “I even recorded the other lines on a voice recorder and left room for myself to respond.” It was a creative and enthusiastic pitch, but despite his excitement, Bomer made the tough decision to walk away from the project.
Why? Because at the same time, he was also cast in Maestro, Bradley Cooper’s intense biopic about legendary composer Leonard Bernstein. In an interview with Business Insider, Bomer revealed that he chose to fully commit to Maestro, even though his role was relatively small. He played David Oppenheim, a clarinetist and one of Bernstein’s romantic partners.
“It was such an immersive experience,” Bomer said. “To try and fly in from London for a quick shoot on Barbie and then head right back—it just wouldn’t have felt the same. Maestro needed my full attention.” According to Bomer, Bradley Cooper was incredibly collaborative from the start, which helped create a deep, rewarding environment that he didn’t want to disrupt by juggling two projects.
Even though his character appears mostly in the first half of the film, Bomer says the impact of Maestro went far beyond screen time. The process gave him a new appreciation for a more intentional, focused way of working—something that, he says, has reshaped how he’ll approach future roles.
Now, Bomer is back in the spotlight in a completely different role—this time bringing the laughs in Hulu’s comedy Mid-Century Modern, created by the team behind Will & Grace. The series follows three gay men—played by Bomer, Nathan Lane, and Nathan Lee Graham—who end up living together after a sudden death shakes up their lives.
Critics are loving it. Variety’s chief TV critic Aramide Tinubu praised the show for its sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and a fresh take on what friendship and chosen family look like later in life. With witty dialogue and some delightful guest stars, the show is shaping up to be a standout.
So while fans may not have gotten a Ken from Matt Bomer, they’re getting something even better—a performer who’s continually growing, choosing substance over spotlight, and still making us laugh along the way.