After years of delays, setbacks, and eventual cancellation, Channing Tatum has finally stepped into the role of Gambit, the Cajun card-wielding mutant from the X-Men universe. His long-awaited debut, however, didn’t come in a standalone film as originally planned, but in a cameo appearance in the newly released Deadpool & Wolverine.
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A Long and Winding Road to the Screen
Channing Tatum training to play Gambit in ‘DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE’ pic.twitter.com/qDX95fv1Jl
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) August 6, 2024
Tatum’s connection to Gambit dates back over a decade, with the actor being vocal about his passion for the character. The standalone Gambit film was initially in development at 20th Century Fox, with Tatum set to star. However, the project was plagued by production issues, including multiple changes in directors, script rewrites, and casting difficulties. The film was ultimately shelved after Disney’s acquisition of Fox in 2021, a move that ended many of Fox’s in-progress projects as Marvel Studios took control of the X-Men franchise.
Despite the cancellation, Tatum never gave up on his dream to play Gambit, describing himself as “traumatized” after the project fell through. His persistence paid off when the character was included in Deadpool & Wolverine, a film that blends the irreverent humor of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool with Hugh Jackman’s grizzled Wolverine, alongside several other forgotten Marvel characters.
The Cameo: Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine
In the film, Tatum’s Gambit is introduced as part of a group of Marvel characters who exist in “The Void,” a place where heroes whose worlds have been destroyed now reside. This setup allowed the film to playfully acknowledge the failed Gambit movie, with the character having to explain himself to Deadpool because he’s never been in a film before. The humor doesn’t stop there, as the film also pokes fun at Gambit’s thick Cajun accent and his eagerness to finally engage in a fight scene.
Tatum’s portrayal, though brief and comedic, offers a glimpse into what could have been. The action sequence, where Gambit finally gets his moment to shine, suggests that a standalone movie could have had some impressive scenes. This has reignited speculation among fans and critics alike about the potential for a Gambit film in the future.
Tatum’s Hopes for the Future
Channing Tatum has made it clear that he’s still eager to bring a standalone Gambit movie to life. In recent interviews, he mentioned that he has already approached Marvel Studios, hoping to revisit the project. “I’ve been saying I want it for the last 10 years… It’s in Bob Iger and Kevin Feige’s hands. I pray to God,” Tatum shared.
The success of Deadpool & Wolverine and the positive reception of Tatum’s Gambit could be a crucial factor in determining whether Marvel Studios decides to move forward with a solo film. The character now exists within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), making it a possibility that fans might see more of Gambit in future projects.
What’s Next?
For now, Deadpool & Wolverine offers fans a taste of what could have been, and perhaps what still could be, if Tatum’s prayers—and those of Gambit fans—are answered. Whether this cameo will be the springboard for a long-awaited solo film or just a one-time nod to a project that never materialized remains to be seen.
As the MCU continues to expand, Tatum’s Gambit now has a place within its multiverse, leaving the door open for potential future appearances. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see if this beloved character finally gets his full cinematic due.
