Channing Tatum has finally opened up about his over a decade-long journey to secure a cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine. This film, known for its abundance of Easter eggs and guest appearances, thrilled fans with the unexpected inclusion of Gambit, portrayed by Tatum, a role he has pursued for over ten years. In a heartfelt social media post, Tatum expressed his gratitude, primarily directed towards Ryan Reynolds, for making this dream a reality.
Tatum shared on Instagram two nostalgic pictures with Reynolds from Comic-Con 2015 and Comic-Con 2024, both featuring Tatum in a Gambit T-shirt. This clothing choice carried a special meaning, as the announcement of the now-shelved Gambit film occurred at Fox’s panel back in 2015. In his post, Tatum reminisced about watching the first Deadpool movie at Comic-Con 2015, immediately congratulating Reynolds backstage. He credited Reynolds for being a steadfast supporter in an industry as challenging as this one, emphasizing that Reynolds played a significant role in bringing Gambit to the screen.
Tatum expressed that he believed he had lost his chance to play Gambit forever, but Reynolds relentlessly advocated for both him and the character. He conveyed his indebtedness to Reynolds, highlighting that their friendship and shared efforts made an invaluable impact. The culmination of this decade-long effort is Tatum’s extended cameo as Gambit in Deadpool and Wolverine, which has undoubtedly delighted Marvel enthusiasts. According to reviews, these surprise appearances provide great enjoyment even for the most ardent followers.
Tatum’s cameo in Deadpool and Wolverine is more than just a humorous addition. It represents the fruition of a persistent battle that began in 2014 when a Gambit movie was initially in development at Fox. Despite facing numerous script revisions, director changes, and eventually Disney acquiring Marvel rights, leading to the project's cancellation, Tatum remained hopeful. His social media post reflected this positivity, expressing gratitude for the ultimate timing of events and his elation to be included in what he described as a masterpiece.
While Tatum's portrayal of Gambit has excited many, it raises the question of whether the character will reappear in a potential Deadpool 4 movie. Fans are undoubtedly eager to see if this beloved character will continue to feature in upcoming projects, hoping the wait won't be as prolonged this time around.
Deadpool and Wolverine is now available in theaters. For additional information, check out our guide on how to watch Marvel movies in chronological order, and keep updated with future Marvel movie and TV show releases.