In a surprising turn of events, a new report suggests that Channing Tatum may be stepping away from his long-awaited role in the Gambit movie — a project that has been in development limbo for years. While the deal hasn’t officially fallen apart, sources close to the production have indicated that negotiations between Tatum and 20th Century Fox have hit a serious snag.
This news arrives as something of a shock to fans and industry insiders alike, especially given Tatum’s recent appearance at San Diego Comic-Con, where he helped promote the film alongside other upcoming FOX/Marvel titles. His presence at the event was widely seen as a sign of confidence in the project’s progress. However, behind the scenes, it now appears that the situation may not have been as stable as it seemed.
According to TheWrap, one insider stated that while Tatum’s representatives remain in active discussions with the studio, “something is up.” The tone suggests that the deal is on shaky ground, even if not officially dead. At this point, it’s unclear whether the hang-up is financial, creative, or scheduling-related — though all three are common hurdles in superhero film development, particularly with high-profile talent like Tatum involved.
Tatum has long been passionate about bringing Remy LeBeau (a.k.a. Gambit) to the big screen. He was originally attached not just to star in the film but also to produce it, and he frequently spoke about his personal connection to the character. Fans embraced the casting early on, especially given Tatum’s Southern background, physicality, and charm — all fitting for the Cajun mutant with a flair for cards and trouble.
The Gambit film has already endured several delays and creative changes. At one point, Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt was attached, followed by Doug Liman and later Gore Verbinski — all of whom eventually exited the project. If Tatum walks away, it could deal a major blow to the film’s chances of ever getting made.
As of now, neither Tatum nor 20th Century Fox has released an official statement, and the situation is still developing. Whether this marks the beginning of the end for Marvel‘s Gambit, or just another bump in the road, remains to be seen.
How do you feel about the possibility of Channing Tatum leaving Gambit? Would you still want the film without him — or is he too tied to the role now? Let us know in the comments!