The Marvel Cinematic Universe's Deadpool & Wolverine stormed into theaters, breaking records as the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time and earning widespread acclaim for its irreverent humor and heartfelt tributes to Marvel's cinematic past. The film marked the triumphant return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and introduced Channing Tatum as Gambit, a role long anticipated by fans after years of stalled development. However, in a recent interview, Tatum expressed a surprisingly humble view of his involvement in the blockbuster, while also offering an optimistic outlook on the future of filmmaking, raising anticipation for his next Marvel appearance in Avengers: Doomsday.
During an appearance on the Hot Ones show on the First We Feast YouTube channel, Tatum reflected on his brief but memorable role as the card-wielding mutant Gambit in Deadpool & Wolverine. Despite the enthusiastic reception to his performance, Tatum downplayed his contribution, stating, “I was in it for two seconds. So I don’t feel like a part of that.”
His modesty stands in contrast to the significance of his casting, which fulfilled a long-standing vision for the character that had been sidelined following the Disney-Fox merger. Tatum’s Gambit, with his Cajun charm and kinetic energy, was a standout in the film, seamlessly blending into the multiversal narrative alongside other returning characters like Jennifer Garner’s Elektra and Dafne Keen’s X-23.
Beyond his role in Deadpool & Wolverine, Tatum offered a candid assessment of the current state of the film industry, highlighting the challenges posed by the rise of streaming platforms. “I think, now, when you get asked to do a movie, or you’re trying to get a movie made, it’s a very confused pipeline of possibilities, and it really feels like, at times, that you’re incentivized to make bad things to get paid, rather than make something really, really good, for the f-cking people that actually get to see these things and people that I want to see these movies, the person that I was when I was a kid,” he said. Tatum’s frustration reflects a broader tension in Hollywood, where financial pressures can sometimes overshadow creative ambition.
Despite these challenges, Tatum remains hopeful about the industry’s trajectory. He continued, “And I want good movies. 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.” His optimism suggests that projects like Avengers: Doomsday, in which he is set to reprise his role as Gambit, may represent a step toward high-quality storytelling that resonates with audiences. Tatum’s involvement in the upcoming Marvel epic, alongside other Fox-era X-Men actors, signals Marvel Studios’ commitment to weaving beloved characters into its multiversal saga.
Tatum’s comments also shed light on his personal investment in the craft of filmmaking. While discussing his career on Hot Ones, he described his 2010 romance Dear John as “generic,” revealing a self-critical perspective that underscores his desire for meaningful projects. His experience on Deadpool & Wolverine, though brief, appears to have left a positive impression, given his confirmed return in Avengers: Doomsday. This upcoming film is poised to be a pivotal chapter in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga, promising a grand convergence of heroes and villains across dimensions.
Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to hit theaters on December 18, 2026, followed by Avengers: Secret Wars on May 7, 2027. Channing Tatum is expected to reprise his role as Gambit in Doomsday, continuing his journey in the MCU. Fans can look forward to seeing how his character integrates into the larger narrative, potentially alongside other iconic Marvel heroes.
Source: Hot Ones interview on the First We Feast YouTube channel.
