Channing Tatum's long-awaited Gambit movie was envisioned with a unique twist, blending the charm of a '30s screwball romantic comedy with the high-octane world of superheroes. Lizzy Caplan, who was set to star alongside Tatum, shared insights into this intriguing concept during an interview with Business Insider. She described the film's premise as "a really cool idea," highlighting the potential for a refreshing take on the genre.
Tatum's journey to bring the fan-favorite X-Men character to life has been fraught with challenges. Despite his efforts, the project was ultimately canceled following the 2019 Disney-Fox merger. The actor has openly discussed the emotional toll of this setback, admitting to feeling "traumatized" by the ordeal and fearing he might never get to portray the card-throwing mutant.
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Caplan, who was slated to play the female lead in the Gambit movie as early as 2017, confirmed her involvement and shared that preparations had advanced significantly. "We got down the road, we were gonna shoot it," she revealed, noting that they had even set a start date for filming.
In 2018, Simon Kinberg, the producer behind the Gambit project, elaborated on the film's intended tone to IGN. He emphasized that Gambit's character—a charming hustler and womanizer—naturally lent itself to a romantic or sex comedy vibe. This vision was echoed by Caplan, who confirmed the intention to craft a '30s screwball romantic comedy set within the superhero universe, promising a delightful and engaging cinematic experience.
Despite the cancellation, hope remains for Tatum's Gambit. Marvel Studios has announced the upcoming integration of the X-Men into the MCU, sparking speculation about future possibilities. Last August, Ryan Reynolds, star of Deadpool, fueled fan excitement by sharing a clearer version of a scene from Deadpool & Wolverine on social media, leading to rampant speculation about potential Gambit appearances.
***Warning!** Deadpool & Wolverine spoilers follow.