Fear not, Gambit fans! The Cajun hero’s film, appropriately titled Gambit, is back on track with star Channing Tatum confirmed. According to The Hollywood Reporter, contrary to earlier reports, the status of the deal was never in any real danger, there were just a few details that needed to be worked out. I’m guessing there’s much more to this story, and unfortunately, we’ll never hear the real truth.
This whole situation just seems like a negotiating ploy by Tatum to secure more money. The report also claims that Fox sees Gambit as a character that will be the centerpiece of upcoming X-Men films, similar to the role that Hugh Jackman has enjoyed as fan-favorite Wolverine. Tatum is a smart guy, and is on his way to becoming (if he hasn’t already) an A-list actor (or at least is perceived as one), so it’s not unfair for him to ask for top dollar. Whether or not there was any real truth to the rumors of him walking, or if it was his plan all along to negotiate through the press, we can assume his demands were met. The report does confirm, though, that money was an issue.
This does create, however, lingering questions surrounding Gambit. Can Gambit fill the huge shoes that will be left behind once Jackman hangs up Wolverine’s claws? Is there an audience big enough to sustain a film franchise based on a character whose shining moments were in an early ’90s cartoon? With the huge budget Fox is giving this film, it’s clear they’re betting big on this character. I just don’t if this is such a sure thing.
Gambit is set to release October 7, 2016.
