14 DAY TRIAL // It’s been months that we’ve been hearing that Channing Tatum is playing Gambit in either the next “X-Men” installment or a standalone film, but, as of now, we’re still some way to go to an official confirmation from 20th Century Fox.
For what it’s worth, we’re getting closer. “X-Men” producer Lauren Shuler Donner confirmed that Tatum is first choice for the role, and the actor himself has expressed interest in the role several times already.
Add one more to the pile: in an interview with MTV News, Tatum says that, if he’s to land the part, fans should probably expect to see Gambit in his standalone movie first, and only afterwards as part of an ensemble one. Of course, that’s not to say that he’s doing it but, in terms of Hollywood speak, this is as close as we’re going to get to a confirmation without actually being called that.
“Creatively, we’re starting to chug forward. Obviously there’s nothing [official]. There are only conversations and dreams right now, really. I’ve been pretty vocal about wanting to be the part of Gambit for a very long time. It’s a weird, pinching-myself moment that we’re even having the conversation,” Tatum says.
But, since they’re having the conversation either way, he might as well spill the beans on probable plans for this fascinating character, which was portrayed first by Taylor Kitsch in the critically panned “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”
Apparently, the plan is to change the superhero genre with this film. This sounds bold, but it’s also doable.
“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,” Tatum explains.
We don’t know if Tatum has what it takes to make a convincing Gambit and, moreover, to actually change the superhero game – not when it’s already being run by such amazing players, meaning both the most popular characters right now and the brilliant actors playing them.
Tatum himself doesn’t know if he has what it takes. He also admits that the challenge ahead is huge because “the machine of the Marvel world is so ginormous that it’s literally like climbing a mountain,” but he remains hopeful.
If he does end up playing Gambit, Tatum will be consolidating his reputation as one of the hottest and most versatile actors of today. He’s already done great comedy, he’s done romantic movies, and he’s supposedly hoping for an Oscar nomination, if not actually a win, for the drama “Foxcatcher.”
Tatum has also enjoyed lots of success for his writing efforts, after penning the script for “Magic Mike,” which he also produced and starred in. So far, this one young actor has proved that there’s not much he can’t do.
Whether he can change the superhero genre as Gambit is one feat that we’ll have to wait and see if he can pull off.