The X-Men franchise is currently in limbo. With Disney due to complete its merger with Fox very soon, Marvel Studios will be getting the rights back to the X-Men and their assorted spinoffs. That leaves the fate of the various movies that Fox have on the slate up in the air, and whether they get made or not all comes down to what Disney wants to do.
While speaking at the TCA winter press tour, X-Men producer Lauren Shuler Donner was asked about the fate of Gambit, the long-gestating solo film for Channing Tatum’s Ragin’ Cajun. She confirmed that she’d love for the movie to happen, but it’s out of her hands now.
“That’s up to Disney. That really is up to Disney. I hope so, but that’s up to them.
But what about X-Force? Well, that film seemed all set to go, following the team’s introduction in Deadpool 2. Surely the popularity and success of Ryan Reynolds’ Merc with a Mouth will ensure it happens, right? Unfortunately, Donner can only say that Fox has worked hard to get the pic made but it’s ultimately up to Disney now.
“Same as everything, This is all now in Disney’s playground and they get to decide. At least we know it’s in good hands. Everybody’s worked really hard up to now on the Fox side but now it’s going to be Disney’s call.”
Honestly, Gambit has been in development hell for so long at this point that it’s sort of hard to see it ever getting made. X-Force would surely be a big hit, though, so Disney would be stupid not to do more with the Deadpool brand. You might think the edgy anti-hero wouldn’t be good fit for the Mouse House, but Disney CEO Bob Iger hasn’t ruled out doing R-rated movies in the future.
In any case, the Disney/Fox deal is expected to close in early March, which isn’t too far away now. And once that’s done and dusted, we should start to get some concrete news on what Marvel plans to do with their new X-Men toys.