One DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Surprise Cameo Was 15 Years in the Making

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As a long-time fan of comic books and movies, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I think about Channing Tatum’s journey to play Gambit. For over a decade, we’ve watched him express his desire to bring the X-Men character to life on the big screen. It all started back in 2006 when Tatum was Fox’s top choice for the role. He even went so far as to sign on to play Gambit in a solo movie in 2014.

In simpler terms, the film “Deadpool & Wolverine” is a humorous superhero movie filled with mishaps across multiple universes. It also serves as an insightful critique on the ever-evolving landscape of franchise films. When stories are abandoned, what becomes of their characters? This film showcases numerous cameos from familiar faces, many of whom no longer have a place in the cinematic world. Some were never part of it to begin with. A specific appearance by Deadpool and Wolverine brought a 10-year old promise to life in an amusing way.

In the mysterious realm of the Void, Deadpool and Wolverine encounter a multitude of characters hailing from deleted universes. Included in this group are X-23, Elektra, and Johnny Storm. However, one character who makes an unexpected entrance is Channing Tatum, bringing Gambit to life at last. For those unaware, Tatum was originally cast as Gambit for the X-Men franchise back in 2006. He expressed interest but couldn’t commit, leading to Taylor Kitsch’s less-than-successful portrayal of the character in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Back in 2014, Fox signed Chris Tatum to star as Gambit in a standalone movie produced by Lauren Shuler Donner. It was anticipated that the film’s success would lead to his inclusion in the X-Men franchise. However, shortly after the deal, the project encountered numerous setbacks. Multiple directors, including Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity), and Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean), were attached to direct at different stages. Tatum and Reid Carolin also expressed interest in helming the project themselves.

At the 2015 Comic-Con in San Diego, Tatum made his entrance during the Hall H panel, where trailers for “X-Men: Apocalypse” and the initial “Deadpool” were unveiled. Hard to believe it’s been that long! Fox had been planning the project annually since then. However, Disney put a halt to the film in 2019 when they acquired 20th Century Fox. Surprisingly, as late as 2022, Tatum expressed his desire to portray Remy LeBeau in the movie.

In “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Tatum’s portrayal of Gambit signifies the pinnacle of his acting journey, not in terms of size or impact, but due to the length of his dedication. Donning the authentic comic costume and speaking with an exaggerated Cajun drawl, he also mentions being perpetually within the Void. This character adds excitement to action sequences, while fans who have long awaited a Tatum-led Gambit film can breathe a contented sigh.

I’m really impressed by Kyle Anderson’s multifaceted role at TopMob. Not only is he the Senior Editor there, but he also hosts a weekly podcast called Laser Focus where he delves deep into the world of pop culture. His expertise in film and TV is evident, as you can find his insightful reviews on various platforms. I’m particularly drawn to his passion for sharing his knowledge with others through these mediums. Moreover, following him on Instagram and Letterboxd gives me a glimpse into his unique perspective on the latest trends and releases. It’s clear that Kyle brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his work in media.

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2024-07-26 05:32