Channing Tatum’s Gambit has officially entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe spotlight with a significant role in the upcoming film Avengers: Doomsday, announced after years of delayed projects. Known for his fan-favorite appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine, Tatum hinted at an exciting and substantial presence, making the character’s return a major talking point among Marvel fans.
While promoting his new movie Roofman, directed by Derek Cianfrance, Tatum shared insights into joining Marvel’s grandest production yet during an interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub. The actor described his initial filming experience as surreal and nostalgic, comparing it to fulfilling a childhood dream.
Channing Tatum Reflects on Joining the Marvel Universe
On the first day of shooting Deadpool & Wolverine, Tatum recalled feeling overwhelmed by stepping into a universe he had admired growing up. The excitement only intensified with his work on Avengers: Doomsday. He explained how seeing his co-stars in iconic roles made the experience feel like living a long-held fantasy.
“Yeah, it happened on Deadpool & Wolverine. I came to set, and I’ve seen Ryan [Reynolds] as Deadpool, but I hadn’t seen Hugh as Wolverine. Then I show up on that set, and then I’m Gambit, I feel like I’m like cosplaying my childhood, essentially, and then I look over and I’m like, ‘There’s Wolverine!’ Then I look over and I’m like, ‘It’s Blade. It’s Elektra! It’s everybody!’ I’m freaking out inside. I’m fully freaking out, and it’s the exact same way on Avengers [Doomsday]. You just can’t understand what this is going to be. Anybody that has loved these things growing up, it’s going to melt your brain. It’s going to be the biggest thing that they’ve ever done, that is for sure.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
Although some of the cast members have finished their scenes, Tatum confirmed he has not wrapped filming on Avengers: Doomsday. When pressed about Gambit’s screen time, he remained tight-lipped, emphasizing Marvel’s secrecy.
“Oh, no, I can’t say that. I definitely can’t say that. You know Marvel.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
The actor readily expressed his affection for Gambit’s character, highlighting the charm and complexity that make the role so enjoyable.
“He’s such a fun character. It’s such a fun character. Even when he’s fighting somebody, he’s flirting with him. He’s great. He’s like my favorite guy.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
Bringing Depth and Authenticity to Gambit’s Character
With his Louisiana roots, Tatum feels a personal connection to Gambit beyond the superhero facade. He emphasized portraying the character as imperfect and relatable, rather than a typical flawless hero. Gambit’s human traits, including his vices and charisma, are essential to understanding him fully.
“He likes women, he smokes, he drinks. He’s not just a save-the-world kind of guy,”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
The actor also noted adjustments in Gambit’s signature Cajun accent for the new film. Rather than fully embracing the heavy dialect, the Russo brothers aimed to balance humor with a more serious tone, avoiding a Deadpool-style approach while maintaining emotional weight.
“I’m not gonna go full Cajun. [The Russo brothers] want things to be funny, but they don’t want to go full Deadpool. They want to keep the drama and keep it tight. When Gambit gets serious — when he drops the Mardi Gras mask — things do matter.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
Significantly, Tatum shared that he sought approval from his daughter before committing to the project, reflecting how important playing Gambit once again is to him personally and professionally.
Avengers: Doomsday Release and Featured Cast
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for theatrical release on December 18, 2026. Fans can currently watch Deadpool & Wolverine, which builds on the storylines that led to Gambit’s anticipated return. The ensemble cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm / The Thing, adding to the film’s star power and expectations.
- Chris Hemsworth – Thor
- Vanessa Kirby – Sue Storm / Invisible Woman
- Joseph Quinn – Johnny Storm / Human Torch
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach – Ben Grimm / The Thing
As Marvel continues to expand its cinematic universe, Tatum’s passionate portrayal of Gambit promises to add a fresh and compelling layer to the evolving narrative. His dedication to the role, combined with the scale of Avengers: Doomsday, suggests fans will experience a powerful new chapter in this beloved franchise.
