When Deadpool & Wolverine premiered, it shattered box office records and earned wide acclaim from fans and critics alike, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film ever. A major highlight was the return of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and nods to Marvel characters such as Elektra, played by Jennifer Garner, and X-23, portrayed by Dafne Keen. Among the many surprises was Channing Tatum’s cameo as Gambit, a role he had long sought to portray.
Despite the positive fan reaction, Tatum expressed modest feelings about his participation. During a Hot Ones interview promoting his movie Roofman, he shared that his appearance was very brief and that he did not quite feel connected to the film’s monumental success.
“I was in it for two seconds,”
Tatum explained.
“So I don’t feel like a part of that.”
Fan Response and Future of the Gambit Character
Tatum’s role as Gambit was significant for fans, marking a long-awaited moment after multiple attempts to bring the character to the big screen. The enthusiasm for his portrayal was so strong that Marvel swiftly announced his return in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. This project is expected to be a major multiverse event, reuniting classic X-Men stars from the Fox era alongside the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Tatum Reflects on Hollywood Shifts and Streaming Influence
In the same interview, Tatum expressed his concerns about the evolving landscape of Hollywood, particularly the challenges in getting meaningful movies made amid the rise of streaming platforms. He described the current industry as
“a very confused pipeline of possibilities,”
suggesting that the pressure to produce commercially driven content often overshadows the desire to create films of high quality. He emphasized his own wish to support good movies, those that resonate with audiences, including his younger self.
“I’m like, ‘Man, I want to give my money to the good movies.’ It’s such an upside-down moment, but I do believe that the disruption is going to lead to something good. I do believe that. I do believe the streamers came in for a reason, and it had to change, it had to morph,”
Tatum said, reflecting a hopeful outlook despite his apprehensions.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gambit and Marvel Fans
Channing Tatum’s passion for quality storytelling remains clear, even while participating in some of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. Although he downplays his involvement in Deadpool & Wolverine, fans remain eager for more Gambit appearances, particularly with Avengers: Doomsday set to debut on December 18, 2026. This upcoming film promises to expand the Marvel multiverse and revisit beloved characters, including Tatum’s Gambit, reinforcing his growing significance within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
