The contract that seals Channing Tatum as Gambit for Fox's X-men spin-off movie has been finally inked. The "Magic Mike" hunk has finally come to an agreement with the management. In the rate that the development is going, everything is set for the target first shooting day in fall, and "Gambit" shall hit theaters on Oct. 17, 2016.
According to a source who has spoken exclusively with The Hollywood Reporter, Tatum and the 20th Century Fox have finally met eye to eye about the compensation that the actor should receive. Up until the signing of contract, rumors had it that Tatum's portrayal of Gambit is compromised due to compensation disagreement between the two parties.
But by the looks of it, 20th Century Fox had worked everything out just to get Tatum for the role. This is only right given that Tatum had involved himself in the development of "Gambit" as both actor and producer, THR reported.
Tatum, on a personal level, had also invested effort for the said film. "Magic Mike's" screenwriter Reid Carolin had the cat slip in a recent interview with Screen Rant. Reid will also be producing "Gambit." The writer, who is also a close friend of the actor, revealed that Tatum had already introduced himself to the basic techniques and styles of drawing cards.
"Last night we were with my friend who I went to college with, this guy David Kwong who is an incredible magician and he was teaching Chan how to throw cards and do slight of hand and all that," Reid told Screen Rant.
There had been lots of push and pull before "Gambit" could materialize with Tatum acting in the film. The hurdles may have come into play because 20th Century Fox is said to have wanted Tatum for a 10-year contract, playing Gambit in different sequels, prequels or franchise. The management is said to have been pegging Tatum as the next Hugh Jackman whose portrayal of Wolverine transcended to different films, THR reported.
Writing for Showbiz 411, Roger Friedman revealed that roles for the slated spin-off movie indeed include deals for sequels. Friedman received a casting call for "Gambit" where he also learned that it will begin shooting in October in New Orleans.
20th Century Fox has tapped Rupert Wyatt to direct "Gambit." Josh Zetumer will be writing the script based on the sequence treatment done by Chris Claremont. Lauren Schuler Donner and Simon Kinberg will join Tatum and Reid as producers.