[Update: The reports weren't entirely accurate and Channing Tatum has now signed on for Gambit.]
Fans of the original X-Men animated series and comic books may have been hungry for more details concerning the upcoming Gambit movie starring everyone's favorite card-throwing Cajun, but the newest update won't go over well. Apparently, the early troubles Fox was facing in getting the project moving forward were a sign of things to come.
Now a new rumor claims that not only has the film run into further development woes, but that star Channing Tatum (Magic Mike) is apparently planning to leave the film altogether.
The report comes via TheWrap, and while news that Fox and director Rupert Wyatt are having some challenges with the film is nothing new (we examined the problems with the story in the most recent Underground Podcast), the extent of the problems is a shock. The film largely exists due to producer Lauren Schuler Donner and Tatum's shared interest in the classic X-Men character, so word that even he may be passing on the film could speak volumes.
According to their sources, the problems have reached a head as casting for the film's female lead (likely the part of 'Vera,' if the recent casting call details are accurate) have begun, with Lea Seydoux (Spectre) one name offered to be up for the part. It's unclear what, if any, specific decisions or direction changes have cooled Tatum's interest in what has clearly been a passion project.
That leaves only speculation, with too many possibilities to guess at. Despite the studio's previous decision to follow a solo X-Men hero leading to the critically-panned X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the recent word that Gambit was being given a $150 million budget showed they were betting big on Tatum and the character. Considering he's no stranger to high-profile franchises, perhaps Fox's expectations for the film and his own have drifted too far apart.
The actor's reps are reportedly still in negotiations, though - to quote TheWrap's sources - "something is up." This may not mean his role with the film has ended, since both he and producing partner Reid Carolin are attached to produce. But at this point, any indication that Tatum's dream role has lost his interest will be cause for concern among fans. That being said, Simon Kinberg's growing vision for Fox's own Marvel universe shouldn't be underestimated either.
Although there will not be a role for Gambit a.k.a. Remy LeBeau in Bryan Singer's X-Men: Apocalypse, the upcoming changes to the franchise timeline (expected to be explored in the fallout of Days of Future Past) may be far-reaching. So far-reaching, that some changes to the Gambit plan may now take precedence over the original script. But again, it's hard to deduce too much without further details, official or otherwise.
We'll keep you updated as more details or official changes are announced, but for now, what do you make of this rumor? Do you suspect that Tatum's schedule may be to blame, or something more worrisome? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Next: Gambit Casting Details & Production Start Date
Fantastic Four opens August 7th, 2015, Deadpool on February 12th, 2016, X-Men: Apocalypse on May 27th, 2016, Gambit on October 7th, 2016, Wolverine 3 (not the official title) on March 3rd, 2017, Fantastic Four 2 on June 9th, 2017, and some as-yet unspecified X-Men film on July 13th, 2018. New Mutants is also in the work without a release date.
Source: The Wrap