Channing Tatum has always been vocal about his dream of portraying Gambit in a live-action film. He was so close to getting it into production, but the plans fell apart after the studio did not approve of making a Gambit movie.
Gambit was brought to the screen by Taylor Kitsch in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but his performance, including the movie, was not well-received by fans and critics. Soon after, the Marvel character no longer appeared in the later installments.
Channing Tatum Firmly Believes He’s More Capable To Play Gambit Than Taylor Kitsch
At a press event, Channing Tatum expressed via SlashFilm his passion for portraying his dream Marvel hero.
Gambit’s my favorite. I’m from New Orleans, around that area. My dad’s from New Orleans, and I like to do a Cajun accent. I could do it for real. No knock on Taylor Kitsch, though, ‘cause I actually like his Gambit, but I’ve always lived around Cajun people.
Tatum believed he could deliver the character more authentically on the big screen because Remy LeBeau is a Cajun from New Orleans. He described the character as “the woman-loving, cigarette-smoking, drinking [guy]. He was the punk rock of all the superheroes. He’s a thief. He kind of rode the line.”
The Magic Mike star almost turned his dream Gambit movie into reality after he spent four years developing it with his longtime producer partner Reid Carolin. They lobbied for the director’s position and even cast the actors for the project. They were ready to shoot in New Orleans, but Twentieth Century Fox did not approve of them leading the film.
After Fox merged with Disney in 2019, the project eventually fell apart and Tatum was so devastated he refused to watch any Marvel films. “I loved that character. It was just too sad. It was like losing a friend because I was so ready to play him,” he told Variety.
Taylor Kitsch On Handing Over Gambit To Channing Tatum
Taylor Kitsch no longer continued playing Gambit after his stint in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. At the time, it was Channing Tatum who was reported to be replacing the actor. Kitsch said via The Daily Beast:
I wish [Channing] nothing but the best. It was a fun character to play, and I learned a lot working with Hugh [Jackman] and had an amazing time in Australia. I’m sure they’re doing their own thing with it, and I’m sure Channing will be great.
Gambit is a very popular X-Men character who hasn’t gotten a lot of exposure in the movies. He is quite a controversial and interesting anti-hero who has the ability to create, control, and manipulate pure kinetic energy. He is also skilled in card throwing, hand-to-hand combat, and the wielding of a bō staff.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is available to watch on Disney+.
