Marvel Execs Eager For Channing Tatum’s Gambit Return After "Deadpool & Wolverine," Says Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds Reveals Marvel’s Growing Interest In Channing Tatum’s Gambit After the Mutant’s Surprise Cameo

 

Channing Tatum’s long-awaited debut as Gambit in this summer’s box-office hit, Deadpool & Wolverine, has fans buzzing about the character's future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). According to Ryan Reynolds, who stars as Deadpool, Marvel Studios executives are enthusiastic about Tatum’s portrayal of the card-slinging mutant, hinting that Gambit might have more screen time ahead.

Appearing on Entertainment Weekly’s “Awardist” podcast, Reynolds revealed Marvel’s fascination with Tatum’s Gambit, explaining, “They’re obsessed with him in that role. Sometimes they just need to see it in action to know it works.” Reynolds compared the situation to his own journey in getting Deadpool made, recalling the leaked 2014 test footage that eventually convinced 20th Century Fox to greenlight the first Deadpool film.

“And Channing is so singular in how he plays that character,” Reynolds added, “He’s also so physically dynamic—his moves and the way he can pick up choreography are unreal.” Tatum’s portrayal, which featured in a surprising cameo alongside Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, Wesley Snipes’ Blade, and Chris Evans’ Johnny Storm, brought fresh life to the role after Tatum’s years of campaigning to play the character in Fox’s Marvel universe.

For Tatum, playing Gambit is more than a gig; it’s a passion project that he’s wanted to see come to life for over a decade. He recently shared in an interview with Variety that he’s still holding out for a standalone Gambit movie, saying, “It’s in Bob Iger and Kevin Feige’s hands. I pray to God.” Tatum expressed immense gratitude toward Reynolds, crediting him for pushing to get Gambit into Deadpool & Wolverine.

“I thought I had lost Gambit forever. But [Reynolds] fought for me and Gambit,” Tatum shared in a heartfelt social media post after the movie’s record-breaking debut. “I owe him probably forever. This movie…is a masterpiece in my opinion. Just pure badass joy.” Tatum's performance has evidently struck a chord with fans and execs alike, potentially paving the way for Gambit’s expanded role in the MCU.

With Deadpool & Wolverine set to stream on Disney+ starting Nov. 12, Marvel fans may not have to wait long to see if Tatum’s Gambit has a permanent future in the MCU.

Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Marvel