Channing Tatum made a memorable splash in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his portrayal of Gambit in last year's smash hit Deadpool & Wolverine, where the kinetic card-slinging mutant brought a dose of Cajun flair to the multiversal mayhem. Now, fans are buzzing about his highly anticipated return as Remy LeBeau in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, a film that promises to escalate the stakes even further in the MCU's ever-expanding saga.
In a recent interview with People, Tatum opened up about the complexities of reviving Gambit, particularly the tricky balance of his character's iconic Cajun accent. The 45-year-old actor described it as "always an interesting negotiation," highlighting the vast spectrum of Cajun dialects found in Louisiana hotspots like Lafayette. He explained how he tailors the accent scene by scene: "I have to interpret what I need to get across in the scene. And I got to make sure that, ‘Is this line for a joke and can I really Cajun this one up? Or is this line for plot and do I need to be really clear but still in a Cajun accent?’" This push and pull, as Tatum put it, reflects the character's comic book roots, where Gambit's smooth-talking charm and explosive powers make him a standout among the X-Men.
Transitioning from the irreverent, comedy-laced tone of Deadpool & Wolverine to the more serious vibe of Avengers: Doomsday, Tatum noted a shift in approach. While the earlier film allowed for over-the-top humor, the new installment directed by Anthony and Joe Russo leans into drama, though not without their signature wit. "The Russos love their comedy and that's always going to be in there as well, but it's definitely going to be a dramatic movie," he shared.
Tatum's enthusiasm extends to the film's colossal scope, praising the directors' history of blockbuster successes like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. “Every single movie that [The Russo Brothers] make, the next one has to top it … I don’t think anybody’s really going to understand how they did this. It’s going to melt everybody’s brain all over again,” he exclaimed, teasing a script that left him in awe.
Gambit, a beloved figure from Marvel Comics created by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #266 in 1990. Known for his thieving background, bo staff expertise, and ability to charge objects with kinetic energy—often playing cards—the character has long been a fan favorite. Tatum's journey to portray him has been years in the making; he was originally attached to a standalone Gambit film that never materialized, making his Deadpool & Wolverine cameo a triumphant debut. Co-star Ryan Reynolds even took to social media to sing Tatum's praises, calling him "born to play" the role and hinting at untapped potential for the character in the MCU.
Currently, Tatum is promoting Roofman, a quirky crime dramedy inspired by the real-life exploits of Jeffrey Manchester, a robber who broke into fast-food joints via their roofs and later hid in a Toys 'R' Us. The film showcases Tatum's versatility, blending humor and tension much like his superhero outings. As he juggles these projects, Tatum's comments underscore the evolving nature of the MCU, where multiversal crossovers blend legacy heroes with fresh narratives.
Avengers: Doomsday boasts a powerhouse cast, led by Robert Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom, a bold departure from his Iron Man legacy. Returning MCU stalwarts include Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Anthony Mackie as Captain America, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Letitia Wright as Shuri, and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. The film also integrates key X-Men characters, with Tatum’s Gambit joined by confirmed Fox-era veterans, including Kelsey Grammer as Beast, Patrick Stewart as Professor X, Ian McKellen as Magneto, James Marsden as Cyclops, Rebecca Romijn as Mystique, and Alan Cumming as Nightcrawler, solidifying the mutant presence in the MCU.
Here is the Avengers: Doomsday cast reveal announcement video released six months ago:
Additional cast members include Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman and Tenoch Huerta as Namor. Recent reports indicate Hugh Jackman may extend his role as Wolverine beyond Avengers: Secret Wars, potentially mentoring younger mutants in the upcoming X-Men reboot.
Avengers: Doomsday is slated for theatrical release on December 18, 2026.
