'Gambit' Movie Release Date Confirmed By Channing Tatum In Tweet; 'X-Men' Spinoff To Premiere In 2016

After months of rumor and speculation, 21st Century Fox’s “Gambit” movie feels more like a reality. In a tweet to his followers, actor Channing Tatum revealed the release date for the “X-Men” spinoff that he’ll star in.

The “22 Jump Street” star was cast in October as the famed comic-book character Gambit, a Cajun thief who has the power to manipulate kinetic energy. He uses charged throwing cards as weapons and has solidified himself as a fan-favorite “X-Men” character since he debuted in 1990.

The studio confirmed this winking tweet from Tatum to be an accurate release date. The studio previously tried to bring the character to the big screen in the critically panned “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” where he was played by Taylor Kitsch. The movie also spawned the “Deadpool” project, which will star Ryan Reynolds.

Interestingly enough, Tatum’s tweet almost confirms speculation that he will be bringing the full comic-book character to life, complete with his trademark Cajun accent. As Variety notes, “Gambit” will be the studio’s eighth “X-Men” movie after “X-Men: Apocalypse” premieres on May 27, 2016. Gambit has major ties to the comic book “Apocalypse” storyline, which has caused some to believe that the film will act as a back-door pilot and introduce Tatum as Gambit early. However, this has yet to be confirmed in any official way.

According to The Wrap, confirmation of the “Gambit” movie release date came along with news of a pushed-back release date for Fox's next “Planet of the Apes” movie. Initially scheduled for June 2, 2017, the premiere was switched to July 14, 2017. In the June 2 slot will go the “Fantastic Four” reboot sequel.

The studio also announced a Dec. 26, 2016, release date for its adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed,” starring Michael Fassbender.