Channing Tatum, currently parading the big screen under the broad banner of notable roles in ‘Magic Mike,’ ‘Step Up,’ and ’21 Jump Street,’ finally nails his MCU debut as the irresistible Gambit – one of Marvel’s most iconic X-Men. Trust me, he’s been drooling for this role for a donkey’s age.

Tatum’s Gambit attachment runs so deep that even the affable Ryan Reynolds felt it necessary to mention in a recent social media post that, and I quote, “Remy LeBeau is grafted to his soul”. Right or wrong, fans will agree that it’s high time to push for a standalone Gambit movie, more so since mutants formally joined the MCU through ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, setting the stage for a much-anticipated live-action X-Men reboot.

A Gambit of Their Own

Channing’s grip on Gambit isn’t new. It’s a love affair that goes back down memory lane. Together with his evergreen comrade and producer Reid Carolin, Tatum fostered an idea that came to be fondly known as the "Gambit film"; a project ostensibly intended to embody the raunchy humor of Deadpool; however, it looks as if 21st Century Fox was too chicken to greenlight the project if Carolin or Tatum himself were going to direct.

Tatum, squeezing every regret between his tight set jaws, admitted, "They wanted anybody but us, essentially, because we had never directed anything." Embodying dedication, Tatum flexed his muscles and agreed to have someone else direct his baby.

After setting the stake on March 2020 for the release, Disney waltzed in and announced a merger with Fox, taking over the film and television studios, networks, and various company stakes—the unforeseen corporate lovefest sending ripples across the industry.

Merger Mayhem: Gambit Bites the Dust

After the merger, our friend Gambit was the unfortunate chop off the block. This left Tatum mourning and swearing off all Marvel roles. Evidently heartbroken, he confessed, "Once Gambit went away, my heart broke… I shut off my Marvel machine. I loved that character. It was just too sad."

A Gambit Reborn?

Today is a new day, and Tatum has finally brought Gambit to the big screen. So, what’s next? In an exclusive chat with Variety, the actor sounded hopeful. He hinted at potent talks with staff at Disney and Marvel Studios, mentioning that all they can do now is kneel and pray. Recently, a joyous Tatum thanked Reynolds on Instagram for having his back and helping resurrect Gambit.

In the era of reboots and fan petitions, who knows? A standalone Gambit movie might just be in the cards for Tatum – and for fans of the lovable trickster. Only time will tell. Until we have a royal flush, keep your popcorn ready, Marvel fans.