As multiple superhero movies come out of the woodwork these next couple years, one may need saving if it wants to premiere in front of screens. Despite a November production start date announced, negotiations between star/producer Channing Tatum are reportedly not as sealed as previously reported speculated, and therefore it's possible the man behind the titular character at the moment may borrow his character's kinetic powers and get himself out of his contact.
For now, this is merely speculation. But TheWrap is fairly certain things are dour for the 20th Century Fox film at the moment. Just after the studio hyped up fans with Tatum's upcoming appearance during their panel at Comic Con earlier this month, it's possible another actor could step into the character's shoes, despite the movie being a passion project for the star and his involvement serving as a primary encouragement for the blockbuster to gear up in the first place.
The reason for Tatum's potential absence is not clear, but it reportedly directs towards, well, the actor wanting to direct. Tatum's larger ambitions are no secret. He's made it clear as of last year his intentions to push himself beyond associates to acting and producing, and a recent Grantland profile revealed he was planning to get into the director's chair after he wrapped on Gambit. He and Magic Mike/Magic Mike XXL screenwriter Reid Carolin — also attached to produce this superhero spin-off — are linked to a couple potential films to serve as their directorial debuts, including adaptations of Joe Nesbo's The Son and Matthew Quick's Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock. Apparently the two haven't decided yet which one they'll make at this moment of time.
It's not implausible to suggest having Tatum frontline this effects-heavy actioner and co-directing this upcoming movie in the process is delving with time the actor doesn't have. In addition to these features, he is also signed on to make 23 Jump Street soon, and he also has to do promotional rounds for Hail, Caesar! and possibly The Hateful Eight near the end of this year/beginning of next year too. On the bright side, he doesn't have to worry about fitting a male reboot of Ghostbusters into his busy life. It looks as though plans there were premature, to say the least.
At the moment, Tatum's team are still negotiating to have their client remain involved, but things aren't looking fantastic based on insider word. Whether or not he commits to the project, a decision needs to be made soon. In addition to a production date settled, Gambit already is slated for release on October 7, 2016. If they don't want to move their date — or potentially mess up their X-Men plans — a replacement needs to be found immediately or Tatum's has to commit wholeheartedly to this film right now. Should re-cast be the only option, director Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) will have to do double-duty casting as he currently looks for a female lead, with young actresses like Lea Seydoux in contention for the role. Even if Tatum and Carolin drop out as producers, Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner remain attached in their positions.
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