Channing Tatum is widely known for his acting and producing skills. He started as a model, working for Armani and Abercrombie & Fitch as clients. He then moved to acting, appearing in several films, creating a name for himself for being proficient in dancing, having good looks, and comedic abilities. He has worked in many big-budget movies and blockbuster franchises.
However, the actor was very heartbroken when his solo superhero MCU film, Gambit, was canceled by the franchise. Tatum was aiming to make a strong entry into the superhero universe and even top Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. He even shared during an interview that he was connected to the hero for a long time and did not expect the whole project to be dropped.
Channing Tatum Was Heartbroken After Gambit Cancellation
Channing Tatum was attached to star in a Gambit movie for several years, but it was ultimately canceled by Disney after they acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019. Gambit is a mutant who can control kinetic energy, and he is a fan-favorite character in the Marvel Universe. Tatum has also said that he believes his dream Marvel movie, Gambit, could have been even more successful than Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool.
Deadpool is a highly successful R-rated superhero film, but Tatum believes that Gambit could have been a crossover hit that appealed to both fans of superhero movies and fans of more traditional action films. The Deadpool franchise has already released two movies with a third being in its production stage.
Also read: Channing Tatum Reveals He Still Calls Marvel Studios From Time to Time for Gambit Movie
During an interview with Variety, Channing Tatum said that he was “heartbroken” when Gambit was canceled, but he still believes that the movie could have been a success. He said that he had a really special vision for the film, and he thinks that it would have appealed to a wide audience. However, the project getting dropped was not taken into account by the actor and he was taken aback by the decision.
“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”
It is impossible to say for sure whether Gambit would have been a success topping Deadpool or just another superhero dud. But Tatum’s comments suggest that he was very passionate about the project, and he believes that it had the potential to be something special. He even stated that he would be more than happy if Marvel Studios rejuvenated the project and allowed him to play the lead.
The Thriving Deadpool Franchise Movie Series
With two hit films now under its belt and a third feature in the works, the Deadpool movie series is prospering. The films are renowned for their R-rated violence, self-aware humor, and breaking the fourth wall. The 2016 release of the first Deadpool movie was a critical and financial hit. It had a global total of almost $780 million at the time, making it the most successful R-rated movie ever. The movie received high marks for its humor, action, and performance, especially for Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool.
Deadpool 2, which was released in 2018, was even more popular than its predecessor. It has a global box office total of almost $785 million, ranking ninth among all films released in 2018. Again, the humor, action, and acting of the movie received high appreciation. A third Deadpool movie is presently under production. The WGA and SAG Strike is causing a delay in the release date, which was originally planned.
The superhero genre has no other series like the Deadpool one. The films have a sizable fanbase who like their satire and style since they aren’t afraid to be irreverent and self-deprecating. There is a demand for R-rated superhero pictures, as the Deadpool film series has successfully demonstrated, and it seems probable that this trend will continue in the years to come.
Source: Variety
