As Hollywood continues to churn out superhero movies based on comic books, the X-Men franchise has tapped another actor to bring in an additional character: Channing Tatum has signed on to play the role of Gambit, probably as early as 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse.
This is big news in the comic fan’s world, since Gambit, AKA Remy LeBeau, is a major character in the X-Men universe. He grew up as a sneaky New Orleans street kid who hid in the shadows and survived as a professional thief, and as an adult mutant he flip-flopped alliances after he found himself wrapped up in horrifying massacres of “undesirable” communities. Besides his mutant power of charging any object with “kinetic” explosive energy and turning it into a bomb, Gambit is an agile street fighter with exceptional acrobatic skills; it is also implied that those acrobatic skills translate well to the bedroom, hint hint.
Casting for the X-Men movies has always suffered from heavy criticism as iconic roles have been given to actors based on Hollywood popularity, instead of being true to the actual character. (Should Halle Berry be Storm? Probably not, and that’s not her fault.) At first glance, handsome but thick-necked Tatum may not seem to fit the part of smouldering, sexy Gambit. Tatum is known for action roles in such films as the G.I. Joe series and 21 Jump Street, where he portrayed mumbling, one-dimensional characters where he looked cool while shooting guns.
Besides, there already was an actor playing Gambit. Taylor Kitsch appeared briefly in the role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and he played the part well: cocky, sneaky, sexy. But X-Men Origins: Wolverine was not so good, and some of Kitsch’s other movies like John Carter were terrible, so he’s gone for now.
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In defense of Tatum, he has the perfect background: he was born in central Alabama and grew up in the bayous, a.k.a. swamps, of rural Mississippi, so at least he should be able to handle Gambit’s iconic “N’awlins” drawl. Tatum is also an exceptional dancer, evidenced by his breakthrough role in Step Up, in which he played a tough-guy from the bad part of town who wins a woman’s heart through their love of dance. It wasn’t very good, but sometimes movies don’t have to be good to be fun. He also starred in Magic Mike, about male strippers trying to find fame and fortune, and although it had virtually no plot, his dancing was brilliant. It should translate perfectly to the flexibility needed to play a role like Gambit.
X-Men fans may worry that Tatum isn’t suave enough to portray Gambit, and will turn the character into just another mindless action drone. If nothing else, seeing Tatum in head-to-toe spandex should be sufficiently distracting to carry his performance for a while.
D P
What a babe!
B Damion
He’s hot in a dirty white boy who smells like wet dog with dirt underneath his finger nails way. Having said that, he’s a terrible actor and a bad choice for this role.
next>>>>>>>>>>>
-smile!
ggreen
My favorite Channing Tatum role was when he played Danny McBride’s butt boy slave In “This is the End” Wearing only a jock strap and presenting his ass to Danny and rubbing his dick. It was funny and very hot.
Ferallove
He’s just an awful attempt at being an Actor which he isn’t. His entire body of work is based on looks and not once has he relied on talent. Has no emotion in any scene he’s ever been apart of he’s not funny and simply just sucks. Lol But marvel wants an “it guy” of the moment thinking his washed up name is gonna sell tickets an it probably will for the horny teen girls and boys that know nothing of the character an have no respect or care for the Acting Craft. With that purpose washed up Channing is a fine choice for that. But if your looking for a series of films or even cameos, it’s not gonna happen. Remy Lebeau is one of the most diverse X-Men and he’s Cajun origin has always been one of my favorite aspects of his persona being part Creole myself. I love Gambit and all of his amazing wits and sensuality he’s sexy without even attempting to be. After Taylor swift or what ever that guys name was that did and awful job portraying Remy in the wolverine disaster I would have thought they would have gotten serious about the character. There are several talented Actors that would be perfect Kit Harrington being one of them or actually make the effort to find someone of Cajun decent that knows the culture and is an unknown up and coming Actor. But there is Channing to come through and ruin an amazing character an we got Ben doing the Dark Knight… Another accomplish for those in charge of the two best super hero universes on the planet. Let’s not forget the beyond talented! Jennifer Lawrence is slaying as Raven Darkholme/Mystique an there is one good reason that doesn’t exist in This realm why we can’t have the next Solo spin off be a woman let alone such a deadly amazing woman. No Ororo Munroe film with Lupita Nyong’o or Natasha Romonov film just another male dominated spin off with an unestablished character played by a washed. An Queerty.com making it all about his looks body and the possibility of either carrying the movie even for a short while… How unexpected. I’m done
Billy Budd
He is an awful actor, I agree, but I don’t care, because he is very hot. I watch his movies just for the eye candy. Sometimes I watch Bergman movies, but sometimes I just want to relax and enjoy.
carey579
I don’t think straight men watch Megan Fox’s films for her acting either.
So let’s stop complaining and appreciate individual actors for what they are good for.
Cannot wait for MM2!
DerekR
@carey579: Lmao you telling someone else to stop complaining is honestly just hilarious…do you possess even an ounce of self awareness?
QuintoLover
As someone who finds Channing Tatum attractive, I say ‘hot.’
As someone who loved Xmen 1-3 and First Class and want these films to do well…. ARE THEY F**KING INSANE??!?!?!???!??!!! Jesus, why not just get Sasha Grey to play Rogue or replace Hugh Jackman with one of Singer’s 16 year old sex slaves?
Alton
Regardless of anyone’s feelings on Channing Tatum playing Gambit, he will not be wearing spandex. No one in the Fox X-Men universe wears spandex. He’ll be in black leather, like all the rest.
misterhollywood
Channing Tatum will make a very good Gambit in X-Men. I do not think he is a bad actor (some people seem to think he is). He also has a really sweet personality based on most of the TV interviews I have seen. Not sure why so many people seem to dislike this guy? I look forward to seeing him in this role.
Billy Budd
I love him, I think he is gorgeous and sweet. But I don’t think he is a great actor. I think he will look fabulous in spandex. I can’t wait to see his perfect butt on spandex.
DarkZephyr
@B Damion:”He’s hot in a dirty white boy who smells like wet dog with dirt underneath his finger nails way”
WTF kind of comment is that?
Niall
He is beyond overrated, both acting and looks wise, Jesus
TVC 15
What do they mean terrible? I thought “John Carter” was a fun movie.
enlightenone
@misterhollywood: He’s a babe! Haven’t heard that word lately, but it fits. Until X-Men, I’ll keep watching all his movies. I can’t wait for him to do a dramatic film in an interracial, gay couple role! Brotha has soul. What the heck, I’ll write the screenplay myself!