By: Dave Clark
We were recently led to believe that the deal that had Channing Tatum not only starring in but also producing the 20th Century Fox/Marvel Studios X-Men spin-off Gambit was is in trouble of being finalized. Today we get word that Tatum has inked the deal and that it might make Gambit as central a character as Wolverine has been in the past films. According to The Hollywood Reporter, FOX imagines this version of Gambit to be an "anchor" to the X-Men universe, similar to how Hugh Jackman's Wolverine has been since the start of the X-Franchise back in 2000. This means we could see Gambit aka Remy LeBeau in many X-Men films, as well multiple solo films. Perhaps he may even tie in to that rumored X-Force film thats in the works.
Personally, I'm all for more Gambit in the movies. He has always been my favorite mutant character in the X-Men universe, and I think he gets overlooked quite often in the current books as an integral character to the X-Men team. I am, however, hesitant on this casting, but more than willing to give Tatum the chance. He seems to be a fan of the character and that gives me hope, seeing how he's also tied to the film as a producer, he has a bigger stake in this than just being the star. I have respect for Tatum, he was great in 21 Jump Street and Foxcatcher. He's also admitted to his failures, such as the horrible G.I. Joe Retaliation. The only film version of Gambit we've got so far (aside from the name mention of Remy LeBeau on a computer screen in X-2) was in the horrific X-Men Origins: Wolverine. While I liked Taylor Kitsch's performance, it was still a crappy movie.
To sum up...I'm excited for this possibility. Many appearances of Gambit makes this fanboy very happy. What do you guys think? Are you happy with this news? Were you happier when you thought that Tatum was potentially leaving the film? Sound off below!
Gambit will be directed by Rupert Wyatt and is set to be released October 7th, 2016.