Channing Tatum has confirmed that his portrayal of Gambit in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday will feature a different take on the character‘s distinctive Louisiana accent compared to previous appearances in Deadpool and Wolverine. Tatum explained at the Toronto International Film Festival that he has been working hard to find the right vocal balance to satisfy Marvel‘s expectations for the role.
Challenges Behind Mastering the Gambit Voice
Tatum described the complexity of the character’s accent, noting its wide range and how difficult it is for non-Southerners to grasp fully. Drawing from his own experience growing up with a father from New Orleans, the actor said,
“It’s hard to explain that to someone that isn’t from the South, isn’t from Louisiana. My dad’s from New Orleans. I’ve been around. That accent has a big spectrum. You cannot understand ’em at all, and you can understand ’em at times. So you have to really play with it.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
He further revealed that his goal was to demonstrate the character’s versatility, stating,
“had to really show them that you can still play comedy, you can still play drama.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
Balancing clarity and authenticity has been important due to the heavy exposition typical of Marvel films. Tatum expressed satisfaction with reaching this balance, saying,
“There’s a lot of exposition that has to happen in those movies, and you can even do that. So it’s been a strange but really gratifying thing. When you’re trying to shove a square peg for so long and then finally it just goes [through], then you’re like, ‘Yes! Alright! Cool. We’re off and running now.’ So it’s fun.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
The Long Road to Gambit’s Marvel Debut
Tatum’s connection to the Gambit character dates back several years when he was attached to star in a standalone Gambit film under 20th Century Fox. He appeared at Comic-Con 2015 alongside stars like Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence, and James McAvoy, highlighting the character‘s potential within the X-Men franchise. However, that project stalled after Disney’s acquisition of Fox, which changed the studio’s direction.
Thanks to Ryan Reynolds—a key figure behind the Deadpool franchise—Tatum was able to revive the character under Marvel Studios. Reynolds convinced Marvel president Kevin Feige that Tatum was the right fit for Gambit, leading to Tatum’s first on-screen debut as the character in Deadpool & Wolverine, released in 2024.
Ryan Reynolds‘ Influence and Gambit’s Future in the Marvel Universe
The success of Deadpool & Wolverine sparked renewed interest in Gambit within Marvel. Ryan Reynolds acknowledged the studio‘s enthusiasm, telling Entertainment Weekly,
“now obsessed with [Tatum] in that role.”
—Ryan Reynolds, Actor/Producer
Tatum reflected on the opportunity Reynolds created, noting,
“When [Reynolds] put me in Deadpool, it just cracked it open.”
—Channing Tatum, Actor
Marvel officially confirmed Gambit’s return in Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18, 2026. There is speculation about Reynolds possibly reprising his role as Deadpool in the same film, although no confirmation has been made public. When asked about his involvement, Reynolds stated he had yet to visit the set, leaving his participation uncertain.
Looking Ahead to Avengers: Doomsday
As Tatum continues filming scenes for Avengers: Doomsday, there is growing anticipation around how Gambit’s voice and character arc will evolve within this high-stakes Marvel event. The actor’s commitment to perfecting the Louisiana drawl while maintaining clarity suggests a careful approach to blending authenticity with accessibility. Fans can expect a dynamic portrayal when the film premieres in theaters in late 2026.
