Channing Tatum Will Play Title Role In 'Gambit': Report

Channing Tatum has closed the deal to star in the comic book film “Gambit,” The Hollywood Reporter confirmed. The news comes after reports hinting about the actor’s exit from the film surfaced last week.

A source had revealed to The Wrap that Tatum was planning to drop out of the film after his disagreement with the studio. Apparently things have been sorted out. According to THR sources, “the studio did hit a sensitive spot in negotiations, but such back-and-forth is a normal part of top-level talent dealmaking.”

Tatum has been attached to the comic book project for a long time and is also one of the producers on the film. He has been said to be preparing diligently for his role.

In the comic book, Tatum’s character Gambit speaks French and English and has the ability to throw objects like knives and playing cards with astonishing accuracy. Born as Remy LeBeau, he was abandoned at birth because of his red eyes. He learned thievery after a street gang raised him. His trademark weapons are cards charged with kinetic energy. He uses them as projectiles against his enemies.

“Last night we were with my friend who I went to college with, this guy David Kwong who is an incredible magician, and he was teaching Chan how to throw cards and do slight of hand and all that,” producer Reid Carolin told Screen Rant.

Rupert Wyatt is directing “Gambit” from the screenplay by Joshou Zetmar. Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner, Carolin and Tautum are the producers. The official plot line of the film has yet to be disclosed. The film will begin shooting by the end of 2015 in New Orleans and it will open in theaters on Oct.7, 2016. The character of Gambit was first played by Taylor Kitsch in 2009 film “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.”