Channing Tatum’s long-awaited debut as Gambit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has finally come to fruition, and the actor is already generating buzz for his role in the highly anticipated Avengers: Doomsday. After years of stalled projects and unfulfilled promises, Tatum first brought the card-throwing Cajun to life in Deadpool & Wolverine, a performance that quickly won over audiences and paved the way for his return in the upcoming Avengers installment. In a recent interview with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Tatum opened up about his surreal experience stepping into the MCU and his deep connection to the character, while carefully sidestepping specifics about Gambit’s role in the blockbuster film set to hit theaters on December 18, 2026.
For Tatum, embodying Gambit has been a deeply personal journey, one that ties back to his Louisiana roots and childhood love for Marvel comics. Reflecting on his time on the set of Deadpool & Wolverine, Tatum described the overwhelming sensation of stepping into the shoes of a character he’s long admired, surrounded by iconic Marvel heroes.
“Yeah, it happened on Deadpool & Wolverine. I came to set, and I've seen Ryan [Reynolds] as Deadpool, but I hadn't seen Hugh as Wolverine. Then I show up on that set, and then I'm Gambit, I feel like I'm like cosplaying my childhood, essentially, and then I look over and I'm like, ‘There’s Wolverine!’ Then I look over and I’m like, ‘It's Blade. It’s Elektra! It's everybody!’ I'm freaking out inside. I'm fully freaking out, and it's the exact same way on Avengers [Doomsday]. You just can't understand what this is going to be. Anybody that has loved these things growing up, it's going to melt your brain. It's going to be the biggest thing that they've ever done, that is for sure,” Tatum shared with Collider.
This sense of awe carried over to the set of Avengers: Doomsday, where Tatum found himself equally starstruck. His comments hint at the massive scale of the project, which he described as Marvel’s most ambitious undertaking to date. Directed by the Russo brothers and written by Stephen McFeely, Michael Waldron, Jack Kirby, and Stan Lee, Avengers: Doomsday promises to be a landmark event in the MCU, bringing together a roster of characters that could redefine the franchise.
A Substantial Role for Gambit?
While Tatum was candid about his excitement, he remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Gambit’s involvement in Avengers: Doomsday. When pressed by Weintraub about whether he had wrapped filming and if Gambit’s role would be significant, Tatum was coy, offering only a teasing response: “Oh, no, I can't say that. I definitely can't say that. You know Marvel.” He did, however, confirm that he is still filming, noting that he’s “got more” to do on set, even as other actors have completed their work. This suggests that Gambit may have a meaningful presence in the film, though Tatum’s reluctance to elaborate aligns with Marvel’s well-known secrecy surrounding its projects.
Despite the lack of concrete details, Tatum’s enthusiasm for the character was unmistakable. “He’s such a fun character. It’s such a fun character. Even when he’s fighting somebody, he’s flirting with them. He’s great. He’s like my favorite guy,” he told Collider. This playful, roguish charm is a hallmark of Gambit, a mutant known for his kinetic energy-charged playing cards, quick wit, and flirtatious demeanor. Tatum’s comments indicate that he’s leaning into these traits, ensuring that Gambit remains true to his comic book roots while fitting into the MCU’s larger narrative.
Crafting a Grounded Gambit
Tatum’s approach to the character is deeply rooted in authenticity, particularly in capturing Gambit’s complex personality. In a previous interview, Tatum emphasized his desire to portray Gambit not as a one-dimensional hero, but as a flawed, relatable figure. “He likes women, he smokes, he drinks. He’s not just a save-the-world kind of guy,” Tatum explained, highlighting the character’s rough edges. This nuanced portrayal aims to balance Gambit’s charm with his imperfections, making him stand out in a universe filled with larger-than-life heroes.
One aspect of the character that Tatum and the Russo brothers have carefully considered is Gambit’s signature Cajun accent. While the accent was a defining trait in Deadpool & Wolverine, Tatum revealed that it will be dialed back in Avengers: Doomsday. “I’m not gonna go full Cajun,” he said. “The Russo brothers want things to be funny, but they don’t want to go full Deadpool. They want to keep the drama and keep it tight. When Gambit gets serious — when he drops the Mardi Gras mask — things do matter.” This shift suggests that Avengers: Doomsday will strike a more serious tone than Deadpool & Wolverine, with Gambit’s moments of levity balanced by emotional weight.
Tatum’s commitment to the role extends beyond the screen. He shared that he only accepted the part after ensuring his daughter was comfortable with the decision, underscoring the personal significance of playing Gambit. “I only took the Doomsday job after making sure my daughter was comfortable with it,” he said, emphasizing how much it meant to him to finally “throw those cards” after years of anticipation.
Avengers: Doomsday marks a significant moment for the MCU, building on the multiversal chaos introduced in films like Deadpool & Wolverine, which is currently streaming. With Tatum’s Gambit joining the fray, alongside a cast that promises to include some of Marvel’s most iconic characters, the film is poised to be a game-changer. While details about the plot and Gambit’s role remain under wraps, Tatum’s passion and the Russo brothers’ vision suggest that Avengers: Doomsday will deliver a thrilling, emotionally resonant experience when it arrives in theaters on December 18, 2026.
Source: Collider
