Channing Tatum Says He’s Met With ‘X-Men’ Producers About Playing Gambit

Gambit has been a fan favorite 'X-Men' character ever since his first full appearance in "Uncanny X-Men #266" back in 1990. You would think that would lead to fast track to the big screen, but Gambit's road to cinematic stardom has been shaky at best. The character made a brief appearance in the horrible 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' (played by Taylor Kitsch), but has since not been re-introduced to movie audiences. That could all change as Channing Tatum admits he's met with the 'X-Men' producers about the part.

Tatum has spoken previously about his fondness for the character, but this is the first confirmation we have of some semblance of talks between the two sides. The actor spoke to MTV backstage at the MTV Movie Awards and confirmed he's met with the 'X-Men' producers about the part.

I met with Lauren Shuler-Donner. And I would love it. Gambit is really the only X-Man I’ve ever loved... I don’t know. I just related to him. I hope it [comes together]. You never know it’s a weird industry. If the stars align, I would die to play it. I’m already working on the accent. It’s crappy at the moment.

Fox is very keen on spinning off their X-Men characters into an expanded universe (see: Mystique) and it sounds like Gambit would be a big part of that. Previously, Shuler-Donner said, "I’m dying to do a Gambit movie with Channing Tatum," and Bryan Singer said he wants Gambit to be a part of 'X-Men: Apocalypse'.

So, all parties sound interested. That's a good sign, but it's obviously very early and, as Tatum cautions, it's a weird industry, so you never really know what'll happen. But, if Channing Tatum wants to star as Gambit and the director and producer of the 'X-Men' movie want Channing Tatum to star as Gambit, it'd be a shame if Channing Tatum didn't star as Gambit.