A planned Gambit movie starring Channing Tatum died in development hell before cameras could begin filming, and for years, it has very much seemed that the actor's hopes of ever playing the X-Men superhero are dead in the water. However, given how Marvel movies have been making great use of the multiverse in recent films, the door is open to bring in Tatum's Gambit anytime. Given that we saw Variants in Doctor Strange 2, Tatum's Gambit could hypothetically appear in a Marvel movie without necessarily interfering with Marvel Studios' plans to reboot the X-Men elsewhere in the MCU with a different cast.
Deadpool 3 in particular, for many fans, seems like a great place for Tatum's Gambit to make an appearance. The fan interest has increased amid recent rumors that the cameo will happen, and for @rahalarts on Instagram, it was a thought that couldn't be shaken. The digital artist posted new fan artwork of Tatum as Gambit to further imagine how he might appear in that role, should he actually pop up in Deadpool 3.
"Recently heard the rumors that ryan Reynolds is interested in adding Channing Tatum in Deadpool 3," the artist writes in the caption. "It would be perfect to introduce him as gambit, plus Channing always wanted to play this role."
You can see the post below.
Channing Tatum Was Heartbroken Over Gambit Movie Crumbling
It wasn't easy for Tatum when the Gambit movie fizzled out, as he was left devastated when it didn't happen. He previously said in a Variety interview that he was "traumatized" by the whole thing, so much so that he hasn't been able to watch a single Marvel movie since.
“Once Gambit went away, I was so traumatized," he explained. "I shut off my Marvel machine. I haven’t been able to see any of the movies. I loved that character. It was just too sad. It was like losing a friend because I was so ready to play him. I wish they would reconsider, because it’s a pretty great project. Maybe someday.”
Tatum leaving the door open to "someday" get the chance to play that role would certainly suggest that he'd accept an offer to show up in Deadpool 3, if not any other Marvel movies or Disney+ shows. But what would first need to happen is for the powers that be at Marvel Studios to send that offer his way. In any case, if the rumored cameo is really going to happen, chances are we wouldn't hear about it before the release of the film, as it would serve as a nice surprise for fans at the theater. But if that's the case, we'll still have to wait a while to really know for sure if the cameo rumors are legitimate.
Deadpool 3, which will also star Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, is scheduled to be released in movie theaters on Nov. 8, 2024.