Remy LeBeau is inching ever closer to his big-screen debut.
Variety is reporting today that Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex) has signed on to play the female lead in Gambit. She’ll join Channing Tatum for Fox’s X-Men spinoff, though details of her role are practically non-existent this early in the game.
20th Century Fox refused to comment at the time of Variety’s scoop, but that hasn’t stopped curious fans from linking Caplan’s casting with the seemingly vacant role of Bella Donna. Prior to Gambit‘s well-documented production woes – both Doug Liman and Rupert Wyatt had flirted with the spinoff, before Fox ultimately handed the keys over to Gore Verbinski – rumors began to circulate that Léa Seydoux (Spectre) had been offered the part.
Alas, those tentative plans unraveled soon after Gambit was hit with one setback after another, though a recent casting call has meant that Bella Donna’s name is back in contention. This, coupled with the addition of Lizzy Caplan as the film’s female lead, surely means that Fox’s search has finally – finally! – come to an end.
And just like X-Men Origins: Wolverine signaled the first appearance of Wade Wilson, Gavin Hood’s botched spinoff also made room in its mutant ranks for Remy LeBeau, who was brought to life by Taylor Kitsch.
In the intervening years since, Channing Tatum has become attached to play Gambit on the big screen, and we’re pleased to see that the actor’s unflinching loyalty is being rewarded. Lizzy Caplan is a major coup, too, given she’s garnered a number of big roles across Cloverfield, 127 Hours, and Now You See Me 2, and this will be her first foray into the superhero space.
Directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean), Gambit is expected to slink into theaters on February 14th, 2019. Clear your Valentine’s Day plans, for Remy LeBeau is coming to town.