When We Got This Covered spoke with Channing Tatum about 22 Jump Street, we were able to get some information about his plans to take on the comic-book character Gambit (whom we received official confirmation the actor would be playing not too long ago). Around that time, he seemed pretty confident that a standalone film for his card-carrying superhero would hit screens before X-Men: Apocalypse. Now, however, it appears he’s not so sure about chances that a Gambit film will get out ahead of Apocalypse.
Speaking with MTV, Tatum explained that his vision for a Gambit film is quite ambitious, saying:
“We’ve talked about it being a standalone, first, and actually trying to change the ‘hero, superhero movie.’ Because Gambit is not your typical hero… He’s a thief. He walks on the gray. I’m hoping we can change it a little bit, and then ultimately feather into the other ones.”
Of course, Fox is extremely busy trying to put all the pieces together for Apocalypse – the film doesn’t even have an official director yet, seeing as embattled Days of Future Past helmer Bryan Singer hasn’t signed a deal. So a Gambit film may fall by the wayside until Apocalypse is done. Tatum acknowledged that possibility:
“Creatively, we’re starting to chug forward. Obviously there’s nothing [official]… There are only conversations and dreams right now, really.”
It would be really exciting to see Tatum take on the character of Gambit, given the actor’s strong track record for playing charismatic badasses with outsized personalities. But as the actor said, “conversations and dreams” are all we’re likely to get for the time being.
The idea that Fox is attempting to work Gambit into its retconned X-Men universe is exciting, but Apocalypse will, without a doubt, take priority over anything else. What seems most likely to me is that Apocalypse will feature Gambit in the same way that Days of Future Past featured Quicksilver, and that appearance will set up a spinoff for the fan favorite character. After all, Fox isn’t about to pass up the chance to work with a star as big as Tatum, no matter how crowded its schedule is.
