Lizzy Caplan reveals Channing Tatum's scrapped Gambit film was envisioned as a 1930s screwball romantic comedy within the superhero genre.
In a recent interview with Business Insider, Caplan, who was slated to star opposite Tatum, described the abandoned project as possessing "a really cool idea." Tatum's long-fought quest to portray the beloved X-Men character appeared thwarted before his surprise cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine. The Gambit film, initially planned, was ultimately shelved following the 2019 Disney-Fox merger, leaving Tatum reportedly "traumatized" by the experience.
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Caplan, reportedly attached to the female lead role as early as 2017, confirmed her involvement and pre-production meetings with Tatum. She stated, "We got down the road, we were gonna shoot it. I think there was a start date."
Producer Simon Kinberg previously hinted at a "romantic or sex comedy vibe" for the film in 2018, citing Gambit's inherent character traits. Kinberg explained to IGN that Gambit's "hustler and womanizer" persona lent itself to a romantic comedy approach.
Caplan corroborated this vision, stating, "They wanted to do, like, a '30s kind of screwball romantic comedy set in that world, which would have been really fun."
The future of Tatum's Gambit remains uncertain, though Marvel Studios has confirmed the X-Men's imminent MCU arrival. Last August, Ryan Reynolds' tweet of a high-quality Deadpool & Wolverine scene fueled further speculation amongst Gambit fans.
Warning! Deadpool & Wolverine spoilers follow.
