When Fox didn’t include Gambit on their future X-Men installments list at CinemaCon last month, fueling rumors that Channing Tatum’s long-gestating passion project was dead, producer Simon Kinberg came to the rescue and assured fans that the Ragin’ Cajun’s solo movie was still alive and kicking.
Today, at the premiere of Deadpool 2, Kinberg once again displayed his commitment to a solo Gambit movie. While speaking to Variety, the producer disclosed that he and Tatum have “met with a bunch of directors” over the past couple of weeks and even hope to begin shooting Gambit by summer’s end.
“We have a script that we love — that Channing loves. We’ve met with a bunch of directors in the last couple of weeks, and we’re hoping to actually pick one in the next couple of weeks and shoot the movie maybe the end of this summer.”
As mentioned by Kinberg, the film has yet to secure a director, but that’s not for lack of trying. During the early days of production, Gambit went through at least three heavyweight helmers: Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity) and Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl).
Of course, a solo movie based on the beloved bō staff wielding mutant has been in pre-production limbo since 2014. Having seen the titular role bounce back and forth between Keanu Reeves, Josh Holloway and Taylor Kitsch before Channing Tatum took up the mantle, supporters know better than to be presumptive whenever a bit of positive news surfaces.
That said, Kinberg’s comments regarding Gambit appear to be much more concrete this time around and with any luck, things really will get off the ground this summer. As always, watch this space for more.
