Channing Tatum’s long-awaited portrayal of Gambit finally came to fruition in the recent film Deadpool & Wolverine, but the journey to this moment has been fraught with challenges and disappointments. Tatum’s connection to the character dates back nearly two decades, and his cameo in the latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) serves as a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
In Deadpool & Wolverine, Tatum’s Gambit stands out among a plethora of cameos, showcasing his unique Cajun accent and charm. The film, filled with multiverse antics and celebrity appearances, offers a humorous nod to Tatum’s long-standing desire to play the character. His portrayal is not just a cameo; it’s a culmination of years of passion and persistence.
Tatum was originally cast as Gambit in 2006 for X-Men: The Last Stand, but the character was ultimately cut from the script. The filmmakers struggled to find a way to incorporate Gambit’s unique abilities, which include throwing energy-charged playing cards. When Gambit finally appeared in X-Men Origins: Wolverine in 2009, Tatum was unable to take on the role due to prior commitments, leading to Taylor Kitsch stepping in. Kitsch’s portrayal received mixed reviews, and many fans felt it did not do justice to the character.
Despite the setbacks, Tatum remained vocal about his desire to play Gambit. In 2013, he expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Gambit’s my favorite. I could do it for real.” His passion for the character led to Fox attempting to develop a standalone Gambit film, with Tatum attached as both star and producer. The project gained momentum, with a release date set for 2016 and various directors considered for the role.
However, the film soon fell into development hell. The failure of 2015’s Fantastic Four reboot caused Fox to reassess its projects, leading to budget cuts and director changes. Tatum even pitched the idea of directing the film himself, but the acquisition of Fox by Disney in 2019 ultimately sealed the fate of the Gambit project. Tatum described the cancellation as “traumatizing,” likening it to losing a friend.
Fast forward to Deadpool & Wolverine, where Tatum finally gets to embody Gambit, albeit in a comedic context. His character joins a group of resistance heroes, including Jennifer Garner’s Elektra and Wesley Snipes’s Blade, in a fight against the villain Cassandra Nova. The film cleverly references Tatum’s tumultuous history with the character, with Deadpool humorously questioning Gambit’s identity and poking fun at his accent.
The film’s playful banter highlights the absurdity of Tatum’s long journey to this moment. Gambit’s introduction is met with laughter, as Deadpool quips about his dialect coach, further emphasizing the character’s unique speech patterns. Tatum’s Gambit is not just a nostalgic nod; it’s a celebration of the character’s legacy within the Marvel universe.
As the film progresses, Gambit showcases his skills, using his card-throwing abilities and bo staff expertise in the battle against Nova’s forces. This action-packed sequence serves as a reminder of what fans have been missing and what Tatum could have brought to a standalone film.
Despite the joy of finally seeing Tatum as Gambit, questions linger about the future of the character within the MCU. Will this cameo lead to more appearances? Tatum has expressed a desire to continue playing Gambit, indicating that he still has a strong connection to the character. The MCU is gradually introducing the X-Men into its canon, and Tatum’s return could be a welcome development.
In conclusion, Channing Tatum’s journey to play Gambit has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. His cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine is a testament to his dedication and love for the character. While the standalone Gambit film may never see the light of day, Tatum’s appearance offers a glimmer of hope for fans who have long awaited his portrayal. As the MCU continues to evolve, there remains a possibility that Tatum’s Gambit could return, bringing with him the charm and charisma that fans have always envisioned.
Source: Various sources
