When 20th Century Fox announced plans to make a "Gambit" movie, Marvel fans and X-men fanatics were ecstatic over the news especially with Channing Tatum set to play the titular role. However, latest rumors surrounding the movie may see fans looking at a different "Gambit," given that Tatum is reportedly planning to drop the project.
Sources told The Wrap that Tatum's "Gambit" deal is in serious jeopardy and may be falling apart. An insider even mentioned that the film's director Rupert Wyatt may need to find a new leading man soon. Another individual close to the project also shared that the actor's representatives are in negotiations with the studio but disclosed that "something is up." In case Tatum will decide to drop the role, the actor is still involved in the film since he and producing partner Reid Carolin are attached to co-produce "Gambit." Although whether the two will continue to produce the film still remains unclear.
"Gambit" is one of the movie projects that Tatum has been passionate about. Screenrant even said that the film "largely exists due to producer Lauren Schuler Donner and Tatum's shared interest." No details were shared as to why the actor is reportedly planning to leave the project. However the site has come up with a few speculations, such as potential casting or movie direction decisions may have cooled the actor's interest. Another is that Tatum and Fox's expectations for "Gambit" may have drifted too far apart, hence the rumored split.
The Screenrant report also mentioned that this is not the first time that "Gambit" ran into problems. Earlier this year, Tatum had difficulties finding a director to lead the film, having offered it to several directors until the project went to Rupert Wyatt. The movie also had a slow start, with casting calls for some of the movie's major leads only starting recently.
Meanwhile, Fox and Tatum has yet to confirm or deny the rumors. Regardless whether Tatum will play the titular role or not, the film's production team will need to move fast, given the movie's scheduled release date. "Gambit" is expected to hit movie theaters on October 7, 2016.
