Taylor Kitsch, known for his role as Gambit in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, recently spoke about being replaced by Channing Tatum in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Kitsch reflected on this change while discussing his current and upcoming projects, clarifying that the role of Gambit “wasn’t in the cards” for him.
Kitsch originally portrayed Gambit as a prisoner under William Stryker on Three Mile Island, who assisted Wolverine and made a pivotal rescue during a cooling tower accident. Though Channing Tatum was considered for Gambit back then, scheduling conflicts prevented him from joining the original film. However, Tatum has since appeared as Gambit in the MCU, including a cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine, and is expected to play the character again in the upcoming MCU installment Avengers: Doomsday.
Taylor Kitsch Reflects on Losing the Gambit Role to Channing Tatum
During an interview about Prime Video’s upcoming series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, which premieres August 27, Taylor Kitsch addressed the question of being replaced by Channing Tatum as Gambit. When asked if he had seen Tatum’s version, Kitsch candidly replied, “I have not.” He emphasized that it was not a sensitive issue for him, stating,
“That’s the business, man. It’s all good. It’s like I love the path I’m on and the actor I’ve become and the stories I’m engaging in.”
Kitsch summed up his feelings on the matter with a metaphor:
“No pun intended, here’s a quote for you, but Gambit wasn’t in the cards for me, man.”
This remark underlines his acceptance of how the role shifted and his comfort with his career trajectory outside of Gambit.
Current Projects and Future Prospects for Taylor Kitsch
While Taylor Kitsch hasn’t entirely closed the door on Marvel or the Gambit character, he seems focused on new creative challenges. He highlighted his upcoming movie 11 Days in Hell, which tells the true story of an intense 11-day negotiation that took place in 1974 at Huntsville Prison. In this film, Kitsch plays the director of corrections, a role that deeply interests him due to its real-life significance.
Kitsch explained his passion for playing varied and authentic characters, mentioning that this is the eighth real-life individual he has portrayed. Despite missing out on the Gambit opportunity, he remains positive about his chosen path:
“I love where I’m at, man, so I have no regrets with it. It just wasn’t, sometimes it’s not in my power to say who’s who or who gets to play what. So I can only focus on the people that want to work with me and collaborate with me.”
What Kitsch’s Gambit Experience Means for the MCU and His Career
This is the first time Kitsch has publicly commented on the recasting of Gambit since Channing Tatum’s role was revealed in Deadpool & Wolverine. His comments imply he does not anticipate significant involvement with the MCU in the near future, although he doesn’t reject the possibility of returning to the character someday.
Since his role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Kitsch has built a diverse filmography, including notable performances in films like Disney’s John Carter, Battleship, Savages, Lone Survivor, American Assassin, and 21 Bridges. On television, he has starred in the second season of True Detective and the miniseries Waco, in addition to his current lead in The Terminal List: Dark Wolf, where he appears alongside actors such as Chris Pratt, Luke Hemsworth, Tom Hopper, and Rona-Lee Shimon.
Comparing Taylor Kitsch and Channing Tatum’s Portrayals of Gambit
Although Channing Tatum did not appear in the original X-Men Origins: Wolverine film, he has been a vocal advocate for a solo Gambit project and has shown great enthusiasm for the role. His portrayal in the MCU marks a significant opportunity to embody the Cajun superhero with his distinctive style and personality.
Meanwhile, Taylor Kitsch’s interpretation has been praised by some fans for its closeness to the comic book character, even though others found the depiction somewhat unusual within the movie’s story. Tatum’s version is widely seen as a strong and committed performance, demonstrating his deep connection to Gambit.
Both actors have made important contributions to the character’s legacy, each in their own way, while building varied careers beyond the superhero realm.
Notable Actors from X-Men Origins: Wolverine
The original cast of X-Men Origins: Wolverine included Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine and Liev Schreiber as Victor Creed. The film established the early cinematic portrayals of these iconic characters, setting a foundation for later Marvel productions in the MCU and related universes.
