Channing Tatum will play the role of a merman in a "Splash" remake. (Photo : Reuters/Luke MacGregor)
Channing Tatum is reportedly dropping "Gambit," an upcoming spin-off movie based on the eponymous X-Men character.
According to The Wrap, the "22 Jump Street" star's deal with 20th Century Fox is in danger of crumbling apart. A source close to the "Gambit" film project told the publication that the actor's representatives are still in negotiations with Fox, but admitted that "something is up."
Tatum had been actively campaigning for the lead role in the project. The 35-year-old actor also recently appeared at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con to hype the film. Media reports noted that it is Tatum's enthusiasm and attachment to the project that helped ramp up production.
The studio is planning to make "Gambit" the fourth solo movie to be released as part of its most successful Marvel franchise, as per Cinema Blend. The other films include Hugh Jackman's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" (2009) and "The Wolverine" (2013), and Ryan Reynold's "Deadpool," which is also slated for release in 2016, like "Gambit."
Yet now with talks of the "Magic Mike XXL" actor exiting the film, it remains unclear whether Fox will keep its original target release date in October 2016 or delay it. In the event that Tatum officially drops the project, Fox and "Gambit" director Rupert Wyatt will have to quickly find a replacement for the role of New Orleans thief Remy LeBeau, aka Gambit.
According to Cinema Blend, there are certain actors who could potentially suit the role of the fan-favorite X-Men character. Topping the list is Taylor Kitsch, whose performance as "Gambit" in Jackman's "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" years ago was well received by fans.
French actor Gaspard Ulliel is also considered a viable replacement, with his uncanny resemblance to the comic book character. Likewise, Jared Padalecki bears physical similarities to the mutant. The fact that the "Supernatural" star has considerable acting experience in the fantasy genre is a plus factor for him to snag the Gambit role as well.
For now, both Tatum and Fox have yet to give their official statement on the matter.
