Channing Tatum Confirmed to Star as Gambit in Upcoming ‘X-Men’ Spinoff
We've been talking about Channing Tatum starring as Gambit, the popular X-Men character, for years and years now. Tatum even auditioned for the part in 'X-Men: The Last Stand' before the character was eventually cut from the film. But, after all that talk, it's finally confirmed: Channing Tatum will star as Gambit in an upcoming 'X-Men' spinoff movie.
Just last month, Tatum confirmed that he's had "talks" with Fox about starring in a 'Gambit' movie and that he "would die to play" the role. And, now, we have confirmed, via multiple sources (including Fox), reports out of the 'X-Men: Days of Future Past' premiere in London that Tatum has indeed signed on to play Gambit.
'Days of Future Past' producer Lauren Shuler Donner spoke at that film's premiere in London and told Total Film, "It's Channing," when asked who would be playing Gambit. She elaborated:
He’s a rogue, Channing, he’s a rascal just like Remy LeBeau. And he can handle the action, we all know that. And he’s got a really good heart, ‘cause I know him personally, I did a movie with him. So I think he’ll be great, he’ll be great for Gambit. And he’s a Southerner, too. He’s not from New Orleans, but he is a Southerner, he understands that world, and you know Gambit loves New Orleans.
While many have speculated that Tatum would join the cast of the upcoming 'Days of Future Past' sequel, 'X-Men: Apocalypse,' he is not yet attached to star in that film (though, there may be some kind of post-credits appearance). Tatum would instead star as Gambit in his own standalone 'X-Men' spinoff. Fox has announced their Marvel slate through 2018, with only one date not attached to a specific movie - July 13, 2018 - which, is likely reserved for Tatum's 'Gambit' film.
Marvel officially describes Gambit's powers as "the mutant ability to tap into the potential energy contained within an object and transform it into kinetic energy upon touching it." In the comics, this usually meant throwing playing cards, kept in his pocket, which would explode on impact.
Taylor Kitsch ('John Carter') previously played Gambit in 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine,' but this is the character reboot Fox has been planning since that disappointing introduction.
Tatum has '22 Jump Street' and 'Jupiter Ascending' set for release this summer and is expected to start work on 'Magic Mike 2' later this year.