Casting forGambitis heating up…again. The Marvel Comics adaptation has been in the works since 2015, at which point 20th Century Fox castChanning Tatumin the lead role and also signed the performer to produce. The film progressed withRise of the Planet of the ApesfilmmakerRupert Wyattdirecting, but Wyatt subsequently dropped out, at which pointDoug Liman(Edge of Tomorrow) took over. The film got delayed so more work could be done on the script, and Liman left the director’s chair earlier this year. Cut to last month whenGambitfinally started gaining traction once more, withPirates of the CaribbeanandA Cure for WellnessfilmmakerGore Verbinskisigning on to direct.
And you know what, this movie might actually happen. PerVariety,Lizzy Caplanis now in talks to join the cast of the superhero film, playing the female lead. Further details on the role are under wraps, but back when Wyatt was directingLea Seydoux(Blue Is the Warmest Color)became attached in the role of Belladonna Bourdreaux, who in the comics is Gambit’s love interest and also a member of the Assassins’ Guild. But that was over two years ago and no doubt the script has evolved, so it’s unclear if Caplan is playing Bourdreaux or someone else entirely.
I like this casting a lot. Caplan is a terrific actress adept at both comedy and drama, showing off her skills in films likeThe Night BeforeandThe Interview, not to mention a co-starring turn on the Showtime seriesMasters of Sex. And while her role is under wraps, it’d be kinda neat if it turned out she was playing, I dunno, Rogue, and theX-Mentimeline continuity went out the window altogether.
ProducerSimon KinbergdescribedGambitasa “heist movie”and a “sexy thriller” back in 2015, but again it’s unclear how the project has evolved since. Verbinski is a wildly ambitious filmmaker with a knack for insane visuals and compelling characters, so I trust the guy inherently to make something engrossing and unique. BetweenLogan,Deadpool, and the upcomingThe New MutantsFox has showed a willingness to let itsX-Menmovies stand apart as distinct, unique feature films in and of themselves as of late, and one imagines that will extend to giving Verbinski a long leash onGambit.
Expect more casting news soon as it looks like thisGambitmovie is moving ahead. Unless the director leaves again…
