[Source: Total Film]
We’ve been speculating that X-Men’s Gambit would be played by Channing Tatum and from the discussions that took place it was about solidified. Today we learn from Lauren Shuler Donner herself that Channing Tatum will be playing the card throwing cajun that we all grew to love in the 1990s and I can’t wait to hear the fan’s responses to the news. Take a look at the actual conversation below.
“Well you know he’s a rogue, Channing. He’s a rascal, just like Remy LeBeau, and he can handle the action, we all know that. He’s got a really good heart, because I know him personally, I did a movie with him. So I think he’ll be great, he’ll be great for Gambit, and he’s a southerner too, he’s not from New Orleans but he is a southerner and he understands that world, and you know Gambit loves New Orleans.”
– Lauren Shuler Donner
I will be the outlier amongst the fans and say that I’m not going to discredit the casting choice. Growing up as an avid comic book fan as well as a fan of X-Men: The Animated Series, Gambit was a consistent favorite of mine. While I should be furious that a Hollywood, pop-culture heartthrob has been cast in the role, I’m leaning more towards an indifference or even possibly a reluctant satisfaction. I see Channing Tatum a lot like Brad Pitt in his early years. They both got into acting because of their looks and have taken many roles based on there looks. Much like Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum has been aspiring to something more than a typecast role and I see potential for him. It was not too long ago that Matthew Mcconaughey was known as the shirtless rom-com actor, but now he’s this year’s best actor and leading man. I’m not saying that an Oscar is in Tatum’s near future, but I’ll say that I believe in his abilities to play my favorite childhood X-Men character. So congratulations Mr. Tatum, you have my vote!
