Channing Tatum Confirmed To Play GAMBIT, Will Get Spinoff Film

It’s been hinted at for months, and Channing Tatum has repeatedly expressed eagerness to tackle the role of the card-throwing Cajun.  Now it’s official. At the U.K. premiere of X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men producer Lauren Schuler Donner confirmed to Total Film that Tatum will play Gambit in future X-Men movies. When asked to describe why Tatum fits the role well, Schuler stated that 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.”

Tatum will likely be introduced as Gambit in X-Men: Apocalypse, but he’s also getting an opportunity to shine on his own. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gambit will also get his own spinoff film. However, the film is still in development, and no director has been attached. A Gambit spinoff was previously rumored back when Taylor Kitsch was in the role, but with Tatum’s star power, this standalone film probably has a much bigger chance of succeeding.

Well, there you have it. Tatum will be playing the Ragin’ Cajun. Ever since this casting was first rumored, fan reaction has been mixed on whether he can pull it off, but now all we can do is hope for the best. Work on that accent, Tatum, or there’ll be hell to pay!

As for his new film appearances, Gambit is one of the better choices for leading a solo film. X-Men: Apocalypse may have him take the same route his comic counterpart did and become Apocalypse’s Horseman of Death. By the end of the movie, he’ll be reverted back to normal, and the spinoff will have him seeking redemption for his actions. As long as that redemption journey involves him causing hell and throwing energized cards, I think we’ll be good.

The important question now  is whether X-Men Origins: Wolverine is canon to Gambit’s history. Ideally not.

SOURCE: Total Film and The Hollywood Reporter