Could it be that the necessary elements are finally beginning to coalesce with regard to the long-awaited X-Men spinoff film, Gambit? Speculation has kicked up a gear with the announcement of new movie release dates from 20th Century Fox – both of which are referred to as being booked for “Untitled Fox/Marvel” projects.
UNTITLED FOX/MARVEL FILM pounces on November 2, 2018–joins Disney’s MULAN and UNTITLED PARAMOUNT EVENT FILM.
— Exhibitor Relations (@ERCboxoffice) 24 November 2016
UNTITLED FOX/MARVEL FILM opens Thursday February 14, 2019. Let the rumor mill run wild.
— Exhibitor Relations (@ERCboxoffice) 24 November 2016
The Gambit film – which apparently has a script by Reid Carolin and Joshua Zetuma, and will star Channing Tatum in the title role – has been rumoured to be set for a 2018 release for some time now, but little progress has been seen in terms of wider casting, or indeed, the assignment of a director to replace the no-longer-attached Doug Liman. Could this movie now be slated for the November 2nd, 2018 date? If so, that would pit the Marvel character against Disney’s Mulan reboot, and an as-yet untitled Paramount ‘Event Film’ – not to mention the release of Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them 2, later that month.
There is an expectation from many quarters that the February 14th, 2019 date might be earmarked for Deadpool 3. If true, this would be a demonstration of significant confidence in Ryan Reynolds on the part of the studio, given that Deadpool 2 isn’t even in the can yet, and it will be completed under the gaze of a new director. It would also make Deadpool 3 go up against an as-yet untitled Universal Monster Franchise Film, as well as the second wave of viewings for The LEGO Movie 2, which will be released the previous week.
Aside from these two new release dates, Fox previously booked both March 2nd, 2018, and June 29th, 2018 – which, combined with today’s announcement, gives the studio three Marvel releases in one year. Gambit rumours had been swirling around both of those earlier dates but, given that little development has been seen, it is logical to assume that the November 2nd, 2018 slot is the most likely candidate of the trio.
So, Fox now has four ‘Untitled Fox/Marvel’ films with release dates booked and, other than Gambit, Deadpool 2, and Deadpool 3, the studio also has a New Mutants film in the works, directed by Josh Boone. This could well be set to fill one of the slots, unless cogs are quietly turning on a new X-Men sequel, or on an X-Force film. Whichever order these film find themselves in, though, the studio has also shuffled its high profile sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
KINGSMAN THE GOLDEN CIRCLE has been reassigned to fall duty instead of summer: October 6, 2017 is in, June 16 is out.
— Exhibitor Relations (@ERCboxoffice) 24 November 2016
Previously set for a June 2017 release, the Kingsman sequel would have been fighting for audiences against Wonder Woman, and The Mummy. Its new slot of October 6th, 2017 sets it as an alternative to Blade Runner 2049 and, later in the month, Geostorm.
While we eagerly await confirmation as to which Marvel films Fox intends to slot into these newly booked movie release dates, we continue to scan the horizon for Gambit development news, as the title has the potential to shake up the comic book movie genre in much the same way that Deadpool did earlier this year.
