Gambit - X-Men

Even though the film has been delayed numerous times, producer Hutch Parker says that Fox is still passionate about making Gambit. When moviegoers look at superhero franchises, they probably think about either the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the burgeoning DC Extended Universe. However, it's 20th Century Fox's X-Men franchise that has been around the longest. It all began at the turn of the century with Bryan Singer's X-Men in 2000, which played an integral part in revolutionizing the comic book movie genre.

Part of that evolution is due to Lauren Shuler Donner, who has produced every installment in the X-Men series since the very beginning -- through all the good and the bad. Since then, other producers have joined the fold, such as Hutch Parker, who has been producing the films in the X-Men franchise since Singer's X-Men: Days of Future Past three years ago. While the franchise has been progressing smoothly, there's still one movie that fans are anxiously awaiting: Gambit.

There are three X-Men movies releasing next year -- Deadpool 2, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and New Mutants -- each of which makes up their own pocket universes within the overarching shared universe. Screen Rant recently sat down with franchise producer Hutch Parker, who has been promoting the recent home video release of James Mangold's Logan. When asked if Gambit is still part of the studio's overall plan, here's what he said (read the full interview HERE):

"It is. It is. I don’t have any news on that but there’s still a desire and a passionate interest to see that movie made."

Gambit Channing Tatum

The studio has been planning on incorporating Gambit -- Remy LeBeau, a mutant who can convert and manipulate kinetic energy to control objects, mainly playing cards -- in the X-Men franchise since the beginning. Singer had planted easter eggs and references to the character in X2: X-Men United that would have laid the groundwork for his possible inclusion in Brett Ratner's X-Men: The Last Stand. When that didn't work out, Gambit was later introduced in Gavin Hood's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, played by Taylor Kitsch.

Since then, 20th Century Fox planned on giving Gambit his own standalone film. This time, however, he would be played by Channing Tatum. The movie and casting were both confirmed in 2014, with rumors suggesting that Tatum would made his debut in Singer's X-Men: Apocalypse before appearing in his own film later that year. However, the film has undergone numerous delays, much of which is due to its directors -- first Rupert Wyatt and then later Doug Liman -- leaving the project. Although Tatum is still attached to star, it now looks like Gambit won't begin filming until next year, at the earliest.

NEXT: Every X-Men Movie & TV Show Currently in Development

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