Channing Tatum Says He Was Devastated When His Superhero Movie GAMBIT Fell Apart

Channing Tatum is a busy Hollywood actor with a long list of films under his belt, as well as a roster of upcoming films in his future in various levels of production. But one project that has left his list is the superhero project Gambit. The standalone film was based on the X-Men mutant, who Tatum would have played. The actor wrote the script for the film alongside longtime producer partner Reid Carolin.

The pair hoped to co-direct the film as well, but the studios were not keen on the idea, as the pair had never directed a film before, much less a big-budget superhero deal. Tatum said he was willing to relinquish the directing dream so long as the movie got made with him in the starring role. But when Disney merged with Fox, Gambit became a casualty of the corporate takeover in 2019.

Tatum and Carolin opened up about the loss in a recent interview with Variety, in which Tatum lovingly described the over-the-top superhero, saying:

“They would call him ‘flamboyant’ in his description. I wouldn’t — he was just the coolest person. He could pull anything off. Most superheroes, their outfits are utilitarian. Batman’s got his belt. Gambit’s like, ‘No, this shit’s just fly, bro! This shit walked down the Paris runway last year.’ He’s just wearing the stuff that’s so dope because he loves fashion.”

Their version of Gambit resembled the tone of Deadpool and would have been rated R. Carolin added:

“We wanted to make a romantic comedy superhero movie. The thesis was the only thing harder than saving the world is making a relationship work. We were right on the one-yard line. We had cast the film. We’d opened up a production office. We were on our way to shoot in New Orleans.”

Tatum was devastated when the movie fell apart. He explained:

“Once ‘Gambit’ went away, I was so traumatized. I shut off my Marvel machine. I haven’t been able to see any of the movies. I loved that character. It was just too sad. It was like losing a friend because I was so ready to play him.”

Carolin added:

“I wish they would reconsider, because it’s a pretty great project. Maybe someday.”

Tatum says he’d still portray the mutant if given the chance:

“Uh, yeah, I would love to play Gambit. I don’t think we should direct it. I think that was hubris on our part.”

I think they should let them make the movie! It’s an original story, and I love how passionate they are about the movie. The studio should give them a shot. What do you think? Would you like to see Tatum bring Gambit to the big screen?