‘Gambit’ Is Reportedly Back on Marvel’s Radar: Is Channing Tatum Still the Top Choice?

A long time ago, when multiverses and Spider-verses, and other interconnected comic worlds were but in their infancy (maybe not that long ago), a Gambit movie was supposed to hit the silver screen — a solo installment with the card-slinging mutant starring Channing Tatum in the title role. However, a series of unfortunate events left this movie in its dust. Yet, though it seemed that Gambit would never receive his chance in the spotlight, new insider reports suggest that a Gambit film may be back on track.

So, what information already exists about the Gambit movie? Is Channing Tatum still being eyed for the lead role and, if not, which other actors are in talks to play the beloved mutant? Let’s break down the insider information. 

‘Gambit’ is reportedly back on track 

Back in 2017, Channing Tatum hit the Comic-Con stage in San Diego to tell fans that he would be playing Gambit. As he took photos with Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, everything felt certain, as We Got This Covered (WGTC) notes. But, all plans quickly fell through. Tatum exited the project when the movie couldn’t find a director, and when Disney and Fox merged, all hope for this movie diminished. However, it looks like Gambit has reentered conversations, and the movie may already be in early planning stages. 

WGTC recently reported — relying on the same sources who knew She-Hulk was coming to Disney+ and Green Lantern was coming to HBO max, prior to either formal announcement — that Marvel likes the current script that exists for Gambit, and the studio is hoping to turn it into a film sooner than later. 

So, will Channing Tatum step up to the plate? It’s been over three years since he was initially eyed for the role. Will the studio want the man behind Magic Mike, or will Kevin Feige and Co. choose to go in a different direction? 

The title character will likely be recast in the MCU 

While many fans were excited to see Channing Tatum portray one of the most beloved mutants — one who boasts a sly and seductive sort of charm — it looks as if those over at Marvel don’t see him wielding Gambit’s abilities. 

WGTC reported that the studio will recast the main role, but bring back Gore Verbinski to helm the project — one of the original directors connected to the movie way back when. Verbinski is known for his work on A Cure for Wellness, Rango, The Lone Ranger (2013), The Ring, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. In other words, he is comfortable working in the action realm, and he has quite a vast amount of experience helming big-budget films, which Marvel Studios has become intimately connected to. 

While getting the director initially tied to the project will be a nice perk, seeing Tatum return would have pleased many who were happy with the initial casting; it will be interesting to see who Marvel chooses instead. Harris Dickinson is allegedly one of the names on the studio’s shortlist; He is known for starring in Beach Rats, The Darkest Minds, Maleficient: Mistress of Evil, and more.