'Gambit' Movie News Updates: 'X-Men' Spinoff Now Closer Than Ever
The "X-Men" spinoff film "Gambit" will come out in theaters sooner than you expected.
Film company 20th Century FOX has announced a set of new release dates for their upcoming films, which includes the "X-Men" standalone motion picture, The Wrap reported. The Channing Tatum-starrer "Gambit" is scheduled to premiere on October 7, 2016.
The 34-year-old actor also confirmed the news on Twitter. Tatum wrote: "How do you say October 7, 2016 in Cajun?"
For those unacquainted with the character, Gambit, whose real name is Remy LeBeau, was abandoned at birth due to his burning red eyes, described Marvel.com. He was referred to by the New Orleans Thieves' Guild as "le diable blanc" or the white devil. Later on, the mutant would grow up as an expert gambler with special kinetic energy powers.
"X-Men" producer Lauren Shuler Donner already confirmed, back in May 2014, that Tatum will be cast as Gambit, E! Online recalled in its report.
"Well, you know, he's a rogue-Channing-he's a rascal, just like Remy LeBeau [Gambit's real name]," she said, as quoted by E! Online. "And he can handle the action-we all know that! And he's got a really good heart."
The character and Tatum's similar cultural heritage is one of the reasons why Shuler Donner thinks the actor is suitable for the role.
"He'll be great for Gambit," the producer said, as reported by the news outlet. "And he's a Southerner, too! He's not from New Orleans, but he is a Southerner and he understands that world."
Tatum also opened up about the role several months ago. According to the actor, Gambit is not a typical superhero because of his background as a thief. A standalone film focusing on the character will bring a significant change to the superhero movie universe, The Wrap stated in a separate report.
"We've talked about it being a standalone, first, and actually trying to change the 'hero, superhero movie'," the actor said, as quoted by The Wrap. "Gambit is not your typical hero. He's a thief."
The character was first portrayed by Taylor Kitsch in 2009's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," according to E! Online. When asked by Kitsch's interpretation of the role, Tatum said he is not tearing down the actor's version of Gambit.
"I actually like his Gambit," Tatum said, as quoted by E! Online. "But I've always lived in and around the Cajun people, and I would've liked to have seen...Gambit was always like the woman loving, cigarette smoking, drinking-you know he was the punk rock of all the superheroes."