Channing Tatum Might Drop Out Of ‘Gambit’
By Angie Han/July 28, 2015 6:00 pm EST
Tatum was confirmed to star in Gambit last year, and has spent much of the past several months talking up the movie. In recent weeks the project acquired a director, Rise of the Planet of the Apes helmer Rupert Wyatt, and had begun testing female leads including Léa Seydoux.
Shooting was slated to begin this fall in New Orleans for release on October 7, 2016. As of now, Wyatt remains on board and the release date has not changed. But if Tatum is no longer starring, the producers will have to find a new lead fast if they want to keep the production schedule on track.
In addition to starring, Tatum was also planning to produce Gambit with Reid Carolin. Should Tatum drop out of the lead, it’s unclear whether they’ll stay on board as producers. Longtime X-Men porudcers Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner will still produce.
Reasons for Tatum’s impending departure have not been given. However, TheWrap points out Tatum has ambitions to direct, and speculates that his upcoming directorial debut with Carolin may have gotten in the way of Gambit. As an actor, Tatum also has the comedy sequel 23 Jump Street coming up.
