When Fox didn’t include Gambit on their future X-Men installments list at CinemaCon last month, it fueled rumors that Channing Tatum’s long-gestating passion project was dead and gone. According to producer Simon Kinberg, however, the Ragin’ Cajun’s solo movie is still alive and kicking.
By now, Gambit supporters know better than to be presumptive whenever a bit of news regarding their beloved bō staff wielding mutant surfaces, having seen the role bounce back and forth between several actors, including Keanu Reeves, Josh Holloway and Taylor Kitsch before dreamboat Channing Tatum took up the mantle.
Rumored to begin production on June 19th in Remy LeBeau’s hometown of New Orleans, the project, which has been in pre-production limbo since 2014, has yet to secure a director, despite having gone through at least three heavyweight helmers: Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity) and Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl).
Still, X-Men: Dark Phoenix producer Simon Kinberg is adamant that Gambit is moving forward, the proposed acquisition of 21st Century Fox by The Walt Disney Company notwithstanding.
“We haven’t had any discussions yet about what the Disney acquisition of Fox would look like for the Marvel properties because I think legally they’re not allowed to talk about it until it’s done. So no we haven’t talked about it all. We’re just moving forward as we move forward.
Once Drew Goddard’s ready we’ll get into X-Force and, believe it or not, we’re still trying to get Gambit [starring Channing Tatum as the Cajun mutant] up and running. The hope is to keep moving forward until we hear otherwise. To me, I have no idea what to expect but I think it could be really exciting.”
Fox is holding steadfast to their June 2019 release date for Gambit, although the picture is currently lacking a director and is devoid of any concrete evidence suggesting that a summer launch next year is even feasible, for that matter.
Plus, Kinberg’s comments make it seem like X-Force is priority number one for Fox right now, the framework of which will be installed by Deadpool 2 later this month. And with The New Mutants undergoing severe reshoots at the moment, it’s highly unlikely that Gambit will get off the ground anytime soon. As always though, we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we hear more.