Channing Tatum, known for playing Gambit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and starring as Jeffrey Manchester in Derek Cianfrance’s upcoming film Roofman, has opened up about what he considers the biggest career mistake he has made. In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Tatum shared that turning down the chance to star in Guillermo del Toro’s unproduced take on Beauty and the Beast was a significant regret. This revelation highlights one of the most pivotal moments in his acting journey.
During the interview, Tatum explained the circumstances around his decision, saying that he had just become a father and was working on a physically demanding film that left him drained. He felt the script for del Toro’s project was not yet ready, and mentally, Tatum was not in the right place to take on the role at that time. Reflecting on the missed opportunity, he said,
Guillermo del Toro wanted to do Beauty and the Beast, his version of the Beast,
and added,
And I’d just had a baby, I was on a movie that was absolutely killing me, and the script wasn’t totally there yet. I was just in a place in my head that I was like, ‘I don’t think I can do this right now.’ It was the biggest mistake, because I’m the biggest Guillermo fan ever. And I think Guillermo doing Beauty and the Beast would’ve been the sickest movie ever.
Tatum’s comments came as part of a broader discussion regarding roles he passed on due to feeling unprepared. He also recalled the time before Cianfrance’s film Blue Valentine, where he was considered for the role of Dean Pereira, which ultimately went to Ryan Gosling. This background sheds light on how pivotal decisions shaped his career path.
Confirming that del Toro never moved forward with the remake, Tatum spoke to his Roofman co-star Kirsten Dunst, stating,
He’s got a billion other things that he wants to do. He’s such a creator. I’ll probably never forgive myself on that one, but I hope we get to work together one day.
The actor’s hope to collaborate with del Toro remains strong despite this missed chance.
Roofman premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, and is set for release in US theaters on October 10, 2025. As Tatum continues to expand his portfolio, his reflection on the Beauty and the Beast opportunity underscores the complexities actors face in balancing career choices and personal life.
