Channing Tatum’s debut as the Marvel character Gambit was a long time coming, and he finally had the opportunity to play the role in the 2024 film Deadpool & Wolverine. Although it was just a cameo for Tatum and his character, the actor’s desire to play the role dates back to the early 2000s, and at least partly thanks to Ryan Reynolds, it finally happened.
Tatum originally auditioned for the role of Gambit in the 2006 film X-Men: The Last Stand. However, Gambit was cut from the movie, and in the 2009 movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine, it was Taylor Kitsch who suited up for the role. Looking further down the line, Tatum was slated to portray the superhero once again in a solo movie and also in 2016’s X-Men: Apocalypse, but neither panned out.
Channing Tatum Shows Ryan Reynolds Love for Gambit’s Cameo
Fast forward to 2025, and Tatum is in line to reprise the role of Gambit following his Deadpool & Wolverine cameo. He was among the names Marvel revealed on the cast list for the highly anticipated 2026 release, Avengers: Doomsday.
Although it may have taken nearly 20 years, Tatum’s chance to jump headfirst into the Marvel universe has officially arrived. And in the build-up to Avengers: Doomsday, Tatum all but confirmed it was thanks to Reynolds for bringing him into Deadpool & Wolverine, as Comic Book Movie detailed.
“My buddy Ryan, I’ll be forever [grateful],” Tatum said. “If his kids ever needed a kidney, I’d give it. He takes care of his people, and I’ll always be there for him.”
Tatum offering up a kidney shows some serious love for the Marvel character (and Reynolds). In all seriousness, though, it was great to see Tatum give Reynolds a tip of the cap for bringing something that should have happened so many years ago to life on the big screen.
As for Reynolds, he’s been the hot-button topic of discussion regarding Avengers: Doomsday. Rumors about Reynolds’ beloved Deadpool character appearing in the movie have been swirling, and they aren’t likely to slow down anytime soon.
Between Reynolds’ cryptic responses to questions about Deadpool joining the 2026 film, paired with the infamous Instagram post that sparked the constant buzz, it doesn’t sound like the 48-year-old actor is going to provide clarity, either.
Channing Tatum Ignites Even More ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Hype
Tatum’s comment about Reynolds wasn’t the only way the 45-year-old actor made headlines involving Marvel’s next addition to the Avengers franchise. During an interview with Variety, the star of the upcoming movie Roofman gushed about Avengers: Doomsday, stating that it was going to “blow people’s minds.”
“When I say a huge movie, it’s like an understatement,” Tatum said of Avengers: Doomsday. “I don’t have a word big enough. I’m not good enough with words to explain how big this movie is going to be. It’s going to blow people’s minds.”
Considering the lengthy and impressive cast list Marvel revealed, which apparently doesn’t even include everyone, this isn’t too surprising to hear. However, it is the most hype we’ve seen any actor throw behind the movie, which is saying a lot considering there have been some other rave reviews from members of the cast in recent months.
Related: Ryan Reynolds Finally Breaks Silence on Instagram Post Behind ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Buzz
