New X-Men Film Cast Update: Channing Tatum to Play 'X-Men' Mutant Gambit
It's official: Channing Tatum will be in the next "X-Men" film.
The 34-year-old actor has been confirmed to play Cajun mutant Gambit by Lauren Shuler at the London premiere of "X-Men: Days of Future Past." In an interview with Total Film, Shular said, "He's a rogue, Channing. He's a rascal, just like Remy LeBeau [Gambit]. And he can handle the action. We all know that. And he's got a real good heart ... I think he'll be great for Gambit."
Tatum has shown off his action movie skills in "White House Down" and his comedic chops in "21 Jump Street."
Shuler thinks Tatum's background will also be helpful for the role.
"And he's a Southerner too...," she said. "He understands that world, and you know Gambit loves New Orleans."
The producer failed to announce if Gambit would be part of an "X-Men" movie or if the character would receive his own film.
Tatum has admitted to being a fan of Gambit in the past, notes the LA Times.
In September, when he was doing press for "White House Down," he said that he wanted to do a superhero movie, and said that Gambit was his favorite.
"My dad's from New Orleans, and I'd like to do the Cajun accent," he said.
Tatum previously said that he had met with Shuler to talk about playing the character.
Gambit can mentally create and manipulate pure kinetic energy. He can throw playing cards, and he is skilled in hand-to-hand combat. The character appears in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." He's a more recent character, but he's played a significant role in the "X-Men Animated Series."
Because of his professional thief background, not all of the X-Men trusted him when he first joined the group. He's described as a "ladies man," but he has a soft spot for Rogue.