We’ve known for a while now that Channing Tatum has had his heart set on playing Gambit in future X-Men films. He was never officially confirmed for the role, but especially over the past couple of months his name has been popping up time and time again. Now, X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner has revealed that the actor has indeed taken the role, and he will be appearing as the character in future outings for the franchise.
At the red carpet premiere for X-Men: Days of Future Past, Total Film caught up with Donner and asked her if Gambit had been cast yet. Here’s what she had to say
“It is Channing. He’s a rogue, Channing, he’s a rascal, just like Remy LeBeau. And he can handle the action, we all know that. And he’s got a really good heart, because I know him personally, I did a movie [2006’s She’s the Man] with him. So I think he’ll be great. He’ll be great for Gambit. And he’s a Southerner, too. He’s not from New Orleans, but he is a Southerner, he understands that world. And you know Gambit loves New Orleans.”
This is the first official confirmation of Tatum’s casting, so it’s definitely exciting news. Though Taylor Kitsch played the character in the poorly received X-Men Origins: Wolverine, fans have been clamouring to see a proper Gambit on screen for a long time now, and most people are 100% behind having Tatum in the role. He’s an excellent choice, for all the reasons Donner mentioned above and more, and he’ll no doubt give fans the portrayal of the character that they’ve been waiting for.
Director Bryan Singer has already mentioned that he’d like to see Gambit in X-Men: Apocalypse, so we’re betting that’s where he’ll first show up. Aside from that, there’s also been talk of a possible Gambit spinoff, so we could see him there as well.
Wherever he ends up appearing, it’s now official, Channing Tatum will be playing Gambit in Fox’s X-Men universe
