Taylor Kitsch, who portrayed the Marvel character Remy LeBeau (Gambit) in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, has spoken candidly about Channing Tatum being cast as Gambit in current and upcoming MCU films. Despite prolonged hopes among fans that Kitsch would reprise the role in recent blockbusters like Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), the role ultimately went to Tatum. Kitsch expressed acceptance about this change during an interview, emphasizing his contentment with his career path and roles.
When asked whether Tatum’s takeover of the Channing Tatum Gambit role was a sensitive topic, Kitsch responded,
“No, no, not at all, man. 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. No pun intended, here’s a quote for you, but Gambit wasn’t in the cards for me, man.”
—Taylor Kitsch, Actor
Kitsch originally brought Gambit to life alongside Hugh Jackman‘s Wolverine in the 2009 film, shaping a memorable version of the character. Years later, Channing Tatum’s interpretation was introduced dramatically to audiences in the 2024 blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, joining a star-studded cast that included Jennifer Garner as Elektra and Wesley Snipes as Blade. The film introduced a new chapter for Gambit within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, further solidifying Tatum’s connection with the role.
Kitsch’s Future Beyond the Marvel Role
Though Channing Tatum continues to embody Gambit, including plans to reprise the role in Avengers: Doomsday slated for 2026, Kitsch hasn’t ruled out working with Marvel again. When asked about potential future collaborations, he responded cautiously,
“Never say never, but I don’t know, man.”
—Taylor Kitsch, Actor
Rather than dwelling on the past, Kitsch appears focused on fresh projects that challenge him differently and reveal new aspects of his craft.
Preparing for ‘Eleven Days’: Kitsch’s New Role in a True Story
Taylor Kitsch’s next major project is the thriller Eleven Days, directed by Peter Landesman and based on the book Eleven Days in Hell by William T. Harper. The story revolves around a tense 11-day hostage negotiation in 1974 during the Carrasco Prison siege in Huntsville, Texas. Kitsch is set to play Jim Estelle, the head of the Texas Department of Corrections during that crisis.
The actor shared his enthusiasm and nervousness about tackling the role, stating,
“I’ve got this book right here, 11 Days in Hell. That’s my next project. It’s something I can’t wait to service. It’s a true story about an 11-day negotiation in 1974 in Huntsville Prison. And that scares the sh*t out of me. I’m playing the director of corrections. Peter Landesman is directing, and it’s a true story and I pride myself on playing very different people and characters and stories.”
—Taylor Kitsch, Actor
This role adds to Kitsch’s growing repertoire of portraying real-life individuals. He elaborated,
“And I think this is my eighth guy that I’m playing that has lived literally. So that’s always incredibly flattering when you get those calls. So, I don’t know. I love where I’m at, man, so I have no regrets with it [playing Gambit again]. It just wasn’t [meant to be]. 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.”
—Taylor Kitsch, Actor
Upcoming Projects and Gambit’s Return to the MCU
In Eleven Days, Kitsch will join a cast including Diego Luna, known for his roles in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the Andor series. With Kitsch fully immersed in this intense hostage drama, fans awaiting another Gambit outing will see Channing Tatum’s version return when Avengers: Doomsday arrives in theaters on December 18, 2026.
This upcoming Avengers installment promises to deepen Gambit’s involvement in Marvel’s cinematic universe, raising anticipation among viewers for potential clashes with iconic villains like Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom. While Kitsch moves forward with roles that excite and challenge him, Tatum’s Gambit continues to shape the character’s legacy for a new generation of MCU fans.
