Channing Tatum recently shared details about playing Gambit in the upcoming Avengers Doomsday film. He talked about the character’s Cajun accent and how it will differ from his appearance in Deadpool and Wolverine. Tatum has wanted to play this X-Men character for many years. His version of Gambit first appeared briefly in the 2024 Deadpool movie. Now he will return as the card throwing mutant in the new Avengers film scheduled for 2026.
Tatum explained that the Cajun accent he uses for Gambit is supposed to be difficult to understand at times. He said this was an intentional choice for the character. Tatum grew up in Mississippi and his father is from New Orleans. He mentioned that he has been around Cajun culture but never actually spoke with the accent himself. For the Deadpool movie, the exaggerated accent became part of the comedy. Ryan Reynolds even joked about it in the film.
“There was very little improv. The Cajun dialect is a very particular one. I grew up in Mississippi and my dad is from New Orleans. So it’s one of those things that I grew up around it, but I’ve never done it. There are certain little isms that are very Cajun-y, but we actually intended it to be somewhat unintelligible. That was sort of the joke” Tatum said .
The actor confirmed that he will not use the same comedic approach for Avengers Doomsday. The new film will have a more serious tone compared to the Deadpool movie. Tatum wants to show a different side of the character in the upcoming Avengers film. He hopes to bring more depth to Gambit while keeping some elements of the Cajun accent.
Gambit’s Long Journey To The Big Screen
Channing Tatum was first considered for the role of Gambit as early as 2006. He was almost cast in X-Men The Last Stand but the character was cut from the script . The role eventually went to Taylor Kitsch for X-Men Origins Wolverine in 2009. Tatum officially signed on to play Gambit in 2014 with plans for a solo movie .
The Gambit standalone film faced many problems over the years. Several directors were attached to the project including Rupert Wyatt and Doug Liman. But each eventually left due to creative differences or scheduling conflicts . The film was scheduled for release in March 2020 but was cancelled after Disney bought 20th Century Fox .
Tatum finally got to play the character in 2024’s Deadpool and Wolverine. He expressed great excitement about finally appearing as Gambit after so many years of development hell. The actor even shared an emotional social media post thanking Ryan Reynolds for fighting to include him in the film .
Balancing Comedy And Seriousness For Gambit
The challenge for Tatum is creating a version of Gambit that works in both comedic and serious settings. In Deadpool and Wolverine, the character was used mostly for comedy relief. His thick accent and flashy costume were played for laughs . But this approach might not work in the more serious Avengers Doomsday.
Some fans worry that the comedic version of Gambit might not fit with other X-Men characters returning for Avengers Doomsday. Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto are known for their serious portrayals . Gambit’s comedy might feel out of place alongside these characters.
Tatum seems aware of these concerns. He has indicated that his portrayal will be different in the Avengers film. The actor wants to show Gambit as a more fully developed character rather than just comic relief . This could mean toning down the accent while keeping some Cajun flavor.
What We Know About Avengers Doomsday
Avengers Doomsday is scheduled for release in December 2026. The film will bring together heroes from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe . It will feature the return of Robert Downey Jr as Doctor Doom rather than Iron Man .
Several original X-Men actors will appear in the film alongside Tatum’s Gambit. This includes Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, and James Marsden as Cyclops . The plot will likely involve the multiverse and the threat of incursions between realities .
Leaked set photos suggest the movie might revisit Captain America’s timeline from Avengers Endgame. Some fans think the story could involve Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter’s life together . But these details have not been officially confirmed by Marvel Studios.
Tatum’s Future As Gambit In The MCU
Channing Tatum has expressed strong interest in continuing to play Gambit beyond Avengers Doomsday. He has mentioned wanting a solo Gambit movie for over ten years . The actor believes the character has great potential within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The question remains whether audiences will accept Tatum’s more serious take on the character. His comedic version in Deadpool and Wolverine was well received by many fans . But the same approach might not work in different types of movies.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige will ultimately decide Gambit’s future. The character could appear in the planned X-Men reboot within the MCU. Tatum’s performance in Avengers Doomsday will likely determine if Gambit gets more screen time in future projects .
“I’ve been saying I want it for the last 10 years. It’s in Bob Iger and Kevin Feige’s hands. I pray to God” Tatum said about a potential Gambit solo film .
The actor’s dedication to the role is clear. He even admitted being too scared to ask Marvel if he could keep his Gambit costume after filming Deadpool and Wolverine. Tatum usually takes home outfits from his movies but made an exception for this role .
The Significance Of Authentic Representation
Tatum’s approach to the Cajun accent touches on issues of authentic representation. The actor has connections to New Orleans through his father but didn’t grow up speaking with a Cajun accent . Some fans have questioned whether someone with actual Cajun heritage should play the role.
This discussion is part of a larger conversation about authenticity in comic book movies. As these films strive for more diversity and representation, casting choices face increased scrutiny. Gambit’s Cajun background is an important part of his character identity in the comics.
Tatum seems aware of these concerns and has approached the accent with respect. He worked to make the accent authentic while also serving the story needs of each film . For Avengers Doomsday, this likely means finding a balance that honors the character’s roots while fitting the film’s tone.
The upcoming Avengers Doomsday will show a different side of Channing Tatum’s Gambit compared to his Deadpool appearance. The actor has confirmed the character will be more serious and less comedic in the new film. Tatum has wanted to play Gambit for nearly twenty years and finally got his chance in 2024. His performance in Avengers Doomsday could determine the character’s future in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film is scheduled to release in December 2026 and will feature many returning actors from previous Marvel films.
Also Read: Channing Tatum and Rebecca Wang Join English Dub Cast of Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Movie
Credits: Variety, ScreenRant, Wikipedia
