Channing Tatum Superhero Movie ‘Gambit’ in Jeopardy as Deal Unravels (Exclusive) By Jeff Sneider July 28, 2015 @ 5:05 pm
Rupert Wyatt is directing the comic book film, which 20th Century Fox hyped earlier this month at Comic Con
Channing Tatum’s “Gambit” deal is in jeopardy of falling apart and he is planning to exit the comic book project at 20th Century Fox, an individual with knowledge of the situation has told TheWrap.
The studio had been in the process of testing young actresses to star alongside Tatum, including Lea Seydoux, but insiders suggest that director Rupert Wyatt will soon have to find a new leading man.
It is unclear whether Tatum and his producing partner Reid Carolin plan to remain involved in a producing capacity, or whether Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner will move forward on their own.
Representatives for 20th Century Fox and Tatum could not immediately be reached for comment.
One individual close to the project told TheWrap that Tatum’s reps are still in active discussions with the studio but acknowledged that “something is up.” The situation will have to be resolved quickly, as “Gambit” is slated for release on Oct. 7, 2016.
Tatum recently appeared at Comic Con to hype his turn as New Orleans thief Remy LeBeau, aka Gambit. The character was originally played by Taylor Kitsch in 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”
“Gambit” has long been a passion project for Tatum, whose attachment encouraged 20th Century Fox to ramp up production. However, Tatum also has larger ambitions, which may play a role in the current situation.
In a recent Grantland profile, Carolin said that he and Tatum are planning to make their directorial debut soon, so it’s possible that the star’s desire to segue behind the camera is factoring into his decision. He’s also slated to star in “23 Jump Street” for Sony.
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