Channing Tatum Gambit Movie Role Confirmed, Will He Be In ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ Cast?

Channing Tatum is Gambit now. It was recently confirmed that the star of several action films including Jupiter Ascending and G.I. Joe: Retaliation is now planning to play the Cajun scoundrel in a future X-Men movie (or possibly more).

A statement from producer Lauren Shuler Donner has him already cast in the title role of the upcoming X-Men spinoff Gambit movie, even though the screenplay probably hasn’t even been written yet. Some could speculate he might play a part in X-Men: Apocalypse, which is planned as a direct sequel to First Class. If you look at the timeline of the films, you’ll notice that Gambit helped Wolverine take down William Stryker (temporarily) after Xavier’s school was established, so he might get at least a cameo.

Channing Tatum Is Officially Gambit, Reveals X-Men Producer Lauren Shuler Donner http://t.co/1rOmqG1D6O

— UPROXX (@UPROXX) May 13, 2014

Yes, it is possible that the Channing Tatum‘s Gambit will help the X-Men fight off the ancient “first mutant.” It’s only a rumor for now though.

The idea of Tatum playing the card carrying (literally) New Orleans hustler has been rumored for months, ever since the idea of the Gambit movie reached the public. Even the star himself has expressed an interest in playing the role:

“I met with Lauren Shuler Donner. And I would love it. Gambit is really the only X-Man I’ve ever loved. I mean I’ve loved them all, they’re all great, but I guess from being down south – my dad’s from Louisiana, I’m from Mississippi, Alabama, Florida – I don’t know. I just related to him.”

Could Duke from G.I. Joe have been hiding a Southern accent this whole time?

While Taylor Kitsch played the original role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and most thought he was well cast, it seems we’re getting yet another recasting. Kitsch could have easily done it again, but perhaps he just wants to distance himself from the stinker he was cast in the first time?

While there is no word yet on a role in the cast of X-Men: Apocalypse, Channing Tatum’s Gambit was confirmed in a statement from producer Lauren Shuler Donner:

“He’s a rogue, he’s a rascal, just like Remy LeBeau. He can handle the action, as we know, and he’s got a real good heart, I know him personally. He’ll be great for Gambit, and he’s a southerner too, he understands that world, and you know Gambit loves New Orleans.”

While the time period issue might bother some comic book fans, Gambit actor Channing Tatum could be made to look younger, like they did in 21 Jump Street. Donner has hinted that the Gambit movie will be very different from previous X-Men movies, possibly following in the footsteps of Marvel’s Avengers franchise. It might be more of a dramatic film about a card playing thief with a secret.

Do you think Channing Tatum’s Gambit might also be cast in X-Men: Apocalypse? Is he right for the role?

[image via wallpaperbackgrounds]