Before Channing Tatum finally brought Gambit to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his Marvel journey almost began with a dramatically different character. Years ago, during the early Marvel projects under Fox Studios, Tatum passionately pursued a solo Gambit film, which was eventually shelved following Disney’s acquisition of Fox. However, it was revealed that Tatum once auditioned for the original Thor role, an attempt that did not go as planned.
Discussing the audition with Variety, Tatum said,
“I didn’t really want to be Thor. But I wanted to audition in front of Kenneth Branagh,”
explaining his motivation to try out. The audition itself became a humbling experience, revealing an area where he needed growth.
“After I did one take, [Branagh] was like, ‘You’re not allowed to move. Put your hands on this chair.’ And I froze. He nailed my crutch. I spent the next five years really trying to learn stillness.”
This moment underscored Tatum’s initial struggle to maintain stillness, an acting skill Branagh insisted upon during the audition process.
Chris Hemsworth’s Rise as the Defining Thor of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Ultimately, the role of Thor went to Chris Hemsworth, whose depiction of the God of Thunder has become iconic over the last decade. Hemsworth’s portrayal has helped shape the MCU’s identity, turning Thor into a beloved character across multiple blockbuster films. Although Hemsworth’s long-term future in the franchise past the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday is still uncertain, his embodiment of the hero remains a cornerstone of Marvel’s storytelling.
In hindsight, Tatum’s unsuccessful audition created an unexpected benefit for Marvel fans. It allowed Hemsworth to cement his status as Thor while leaving room for Tatum to later emerge in the MCU as Gambit, a character he had aspired to portray for years. This sequence of events ultimately gave audiences two distinct and well-suited actors in leading roles.
The Marvel Multiverse Brings Tatum and Hemsworth Together in Avengers: Doomsday
The separate trajectories of Channing Tatum and Chris Hemsworth are set to intersect in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. This film promises a monumental crossover that merges multiple superhero factions from across the multiverse, facing a universe-threatening crisis. Directed by the Russo Brothers, who previously led Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, with a screenplay by Stephen McFeely, production on this ambitious project is actively progressing.
The extensive cast confirmed by Marvel Studios features Hemsworth reprising Thor, one of the few remaining original Avengers, joining forces with newer heroes such as Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and Letitia Wright’s Black Panther. Additionally, the Fantastic Four will play a central role, welcoming Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic and Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman. Notably, characters from the Fox-era X-Men movies are returning, including Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, and Kelsey Grammer as Beast, alongside Tatum’s long-awaited Gambit.
The secretive plot revolves around Victor Von Doom’s quest to conquer the multiverse, compelling this diverse assembly of heroes to unite. Robert Downey Jr. will make a surprising comeback as the villain, intensifying the stakes. Comic book storylines like Doomwar and the concept of multiversal incursions—events where realities collide and threaten mutual destruction—are expected to inspire the movie’s narrative.
Despite the notable cast announcements, some key MCU figures remain unconfirmed. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, who was pivotal in earlier multiverse confrontations, has not been officially named in the cast, though rumors suggest he could appear and possibly align with Doctor Doom.
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for theatrical release on December 18, 2026.
The Impact of Tatum’s Failed Thor Audition on His Marvel Career
Channing Tatum’s initial setback in landing the role of Thor ultimately redirected his Marvel journey in a unique way. The failed audition highlighted a vital personal growth area—stillness in performance—that he worked on for years afterward. This challenge delayed his Marvel debut but did not prevent it.
Eventually, Tatum’s persistence and commitment paid off as he notably appeared as Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine, a surprise cameo highly praised by fans. Marvel Studios quickly capitalized on this momentum by confirming his participation in the ensemble Avengers: Doomsday, officially integrating him into the MCU.
This progression showcases how an early casting disappointment can lead to new opportunities matched better to an actor’s strengths, benefiting both the talent and the audience. Tatum’s arrival alongside Hemsworth in Doomsday marks an important moment where two distinct Marvel journeys converge.
