Gambit is one of my favourite characters from the X-Men and the failure to bring a decent version of the character to screen (I don’t really consider the Taylor Kitsch rendition in X-Men Origins: Wolverine a true version of Gambit) remains a frustration of mine. And it seems that frustration is set to continue for longer as the planned Gambit film has been delayed – again.
The film development has thus far appeared to be quite a nightmare with directors having changed hands several times, most recently from Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) with Doug Liman (Edge of Tomorrow, The Bourne Identity) so far signed on to direct the film adaptation. Filming was due to start in March of this year, but has now been delayed again as 20th Century Fox is not completely happy with the script and is looking at a potential rewrite, with Magic Mike writer Reid Carolin reportedly penning this latest draft.
This has reportedly pushed filming to perhaps start only towards the end of 2016, though even this date could be doubtful as the director and star Channing Tatum will likely look to keep themselves busy with other projects in the interim and they will need to fit this film into their busy schedules accordingly. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Liman is in talks to direct Amazon Studios’ The Wall, a psychological thriller and the first spec script purchased by Amazon. The Wall is supposedly a smaller-scale project which perhaps then could allow Liman to direct the film and still make room for the Gambit film towards the end of the year.
Channing Tatum is at this point still committed to the film, as it is a character he has been wanting to play for a long time and so will likely do his best to fit it in once the production eventually resumes, though the Nerdist claims that he may be possibly exiting the troubled production as well. His co-star will be Lea Seydoux who will play, Bella Donna Boudreaux, the daughter of the leader of the New Orleans Assassins’ Guild and Remy LeBeau’s (Gambit’s real name) first love.
No new release date for the film has been announced, but I would imagine we won’t see the mutant known for his energy manipulation abilities and penchant for stealing until 2018 or even later. Perhaps we should start taking bets on this one, I’m sure the character wouldn’t mind some illegal side business going on and the writers at The Movies could certainly do with some extra cash.
Last Updated: March 31, 2016
