As a long-time fan of both Marvel comics and Shawn Levy’s work, I was taken aback by a recent revelation from the director. During an interview in The New York Times, Levy disclosed that he was once very close to directing a solo Gambit movie starring Channing Tatum. This tidbit surfaced during a spoiler-filled interview about his latest project, Deadpool & Wolverine, and it has left fans, including myself, buzzing with what could have been.
The concept of a standalone Gambit film has been a topic of speculation and excitement for years. Channing Tatum was officially cast as the suave, card-throwing mutant back in 2014. Despite multiple attempts to bring the project to life, it languished in development hell until Disney’s acquisition of Fox led to its ultimate cancellation. Levy, who was one of the directors brought in to pitch his vision for the film, shared some fascinating insights into what that project might have looked like.
The Almost Director of Gambit
Credit: Netflix
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Shawn Levy’s connection to Gambit goes back several years. In his interview with The New York Times, Levy revealed that he was one of 25 different directors who met with Channing Tatum to discuss the project. “I am obsessed with Channing as Gambit,” Levy confessed. “Back in those years, I was one of many directors who met with Channing about directing the Fox Gambit movie, but it never quite happened.” Levy’s passion for the character and his excitement about working with Tatum were palpable, even though the project never came to fruition.
The idea of Levy directing Tatum in a Gambit movie is tantalising. Known for his ability to blend humour and heart, Levy could have brought a unique touch to the Gambit character, who is beloved for his charm and wit. Tatum, who has long been vocal about his desire to play Gambit, finally got a chance to don the character’s iconic persona in Deadpool & Wolverine. This cameo not only delighted fans but also offered a glimpse into what might have been had the standalone film moved forward.
Channing Tatum’s Hilarious Cameo
Credit: Netflix
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One of the most memorable moments in Deadpool & Wolverine is Channing Tatum’s surprise appearance as Gambit. Tatum’s commitment to the role, complete with a hammed-up Cajun accent, provided some of the film’s funniest scenes. His line, “Whoo, I’m about to make a name for myself here!” has already become a viral meme. The behind-the-scenes stories from the set are equally entertaining. Daphne Keen, who plays Laura/X-23, shared on the Phase Zero podcast that she struggled to keep a straight face during her scenes with Tatum, often breaking character due to his humorous performance.
Levy’s admiration for Tatum’s portrayal is clear. “What went into this, first and foremost, is a decade of Channing wanting to play this part and a decade of Channing almost playing this part at Fox,” Levy said. This long-standing desire and eventual fulfilment in a cameo role highlight the actor’s dedication to bringing Gambit to life, even if it wasn’t in the standalone film fans had hoped for.
The Lost Potential of Gambit
Credit: Netflix
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The cancellation of the solo Gambit film is a significant loss for Marvel fans. Gambit, with his complex backstory and charismatic personality, has always been a fan-favourite character. A standalone movie could have explored his origins in the Thieves’ Guild of New Orleans, his tumultuous relationship with Rogue, and his journey to becoming one of the X-Men. Levy’s direction, combined with Tatum’s enthusiasm for the role, might have created a film that balanced action, drama, and humour in a way that only Marvel Studios can.
Despite this missed opportunity, Levy’s recent work on Deadpool & Wolverine shows that he has a deep understanding of what makes Marvel characters resonate with audiences. His ability to blend humour with heartfelt moments has been a hallmark of his career, and it’s exciting to think about what other Marvel projects he might tackle in the future.
Final Thoughts on Channing Tatum’s Gambit
Credit: Marvel Studios
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As someone who has followed the ups and downs of the Gambit movie saga, hearing Shawn Levy’s reflections on his near-involvement is both fascinating and bittersweet. The combination of Levy’s directorial talent and Tatum’s passion for the role could have resulted in a truly unique entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While we may never see that particular vision come to life, the excitement surrounding Gambit’s cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine serves as a reminder of what could have been.
In conclusion, Shawn Levy’s revelation about almost directing the Gambit movie adds another layer to the intriguing history of this long-anticipated project. As we continue to enjoy his work in the Marvel universe, there’s always hope that Gambit might one day get the standalone film he deserves. Until then, we can relish Tatum’s memorable cameo and speculate about what other Marvel surprises Levy might have in store for us.
