Channing Tatum is on the peak of success and energy after doing cameos in Marvel Studios’ latest blockbusters Deadpool and Wolverine. The popular character has replaced his signature dance moves with superhero action moves.
On August 6, Tatum posted a video on Instagram, showing various clips of him practicing hand-to-hand combat for the film and using Gambit’s distinctive bo staff.
Tatum, who shared a glimpse of his preparation for his surprise role as Gambit/Remy LeBeau, wrote a simple caption on the post: “Couilon-zwah!”
Lead actor Ryan Reynolds also shared a photo of Tatum on his Instagram Stories on Tuesday, writing: “Nothing is said enough about this man – this guy is so crazy about playing cards. He should not be allowed near any casino. Never.” Tatum reposted the Stories on his own profile.
In addition, Reynolds also spoke highly of Channing Tatum’s portrayal in Deadpool and Wolverine. He wrote: “Gambit is a character Chan was born to play.”
Praising the character of Gambit/Remy LeBeau, he said, “Some characters can only exist with a one-in-a-billion pairing, and this is that one. Gambit found his writer in Chan. He’s one of the coolest, smartest characters in comics and still largely unknown.”
Tatum was first cast to play Gambit in X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006, but the character was cut out of the film. Now, 18 years later, Tatum was able to bring his vision of Gambit to life for fans.
Tatum thanked Ryan Reynolds and Deadpool and Wolverine director Shawn Levy for their support and expressed gratitude that, despite the long wait, they chose him to play the character he was so passionate about.
For reference, Taylor Kitsch was cast in the role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009). Tatum remained adamant that Gambit would be his standalone film, but the film was canceled when Disney completed its purchase of 20th Century Fox in 2019.
Meanwhile, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Deadpool & Wolverine has broken one record after another since premiering on July 22, 2024. No one in Hollywood believed that an R-rated film could do like an all-audience film, but it has broken records and surprised everyone.
Also read: ‘Found his writer’: Ryan Reynolds explains why Channing Tatum was perfect for Gambit in Deadpool and Wolverine
