In today’s Hollywood landscape, superhero movies seem to hold a special place in studio’s hearts. In the coming years, a vast array of comic book-based films are slated for release, including a standalone movie for Gambit. Channing Tatum (22 Jump Street, Magic Mike) was set to take the lead as the card-wielding X-Man, but that may be in jeopardy of happening.
A source close to the situation told The Wrap that Tatum’s involvement with the film was falling apart.
With a slated release of October 7, 2016, this is a bad time for a major movie to lose its star. With fourteen months left before the release date, 20th Century Fox is facing a situation that may delay, if not cancel altogether, the production of Gambit.
Recently anointed director Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Gambler) was in the process of casting a female lead to play opposite Tatum, but that may have to wait in lieu of replacing the starring role.
Gambit was previously brought to life in the much maligned X-Men Origins: Wolverine by Taylor Kitsch (John Carter, TVs Friday Night Lights).
Tatum was seen onstage at Comic Con with the rest of the cast of the X-Men: Apocalypse, Deadpool, and Fantastic Four, leading to possible exciting about the cross over films featuring X-Men and Gambit. He is currently in the process of starring in a sequel to 22 Jump Street along side Jonah Hill.
While nothing is definitive at this point, the situation will be closely monitored to see if things are resolved.
UPDATE: Tatum has officially closed a deal confirming he will star in Gambit after all.
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