Channing Tatum's long-awaited debut as the charismatic X-Men mutant Gambit was dramatically derailed by a serious on-set injury during preparations for what was dubbed the Avengers' "Doomsday" scenario, The Independent can reveal.
The Magic Mike star, who was poised to bring the card-throwing Cajun to life, sustained significant damage during intense stunt rehearsals for the Marvel project that ultimately never materialised. The injury occurred while Tatum was training for the character's demanding physical requirements.
The Gambit That Never Was
Tatum's journey to becoming Remy LeBeau was years in the making, with the actor deeply invested in bringing the popular X-Men character to the big screen. The project was part of Marvel's contingency planning for potential franchise reboots or major storyline shifts within the MCU architecture.
"I remember I got hurt, I tore my abductor muscle, my groin, and my hip flexor," Tatum disclosed during a recent industry panel. The severity of the injury required extensive rehabilitation and ultimately contributed to the project's shelving.
Marvel's Doomsday Scenario
The Avengers Doomsday project represented Marvel Studios' emergency blueprint for potentially recasting or rebooting key franchise elements should original actors depart or storylines require dramatic shifts. Tatum's Gambit was positioned as a potential replacement for existing mutant characters within this contingency framework.
While never officially greenlit, the Doomsday scenario allowed Marvel to develop characters and storylines that could be rapidly deployed if needed, ensuring franchise continuity regardless of external factors affecting the main MCU timeline.
Industry Impact and Aftermath
Tatum's injury highlights the physical risks A-list actors face when preparing for superhero roles, even during preliminary stages. The demanding preparation required for such parts often involves months of intensive physical training and stunt work before principal photography even begins.
The cancellation of the Gambit project, combined with Disney's acquisition of 20th Century Fox's film assets, ultimately sealed the fate of Tatum's version of the character. The merger brought the X-Men franchise fully under Marvel Studios' control, leading to new plans for mutant integration into the MCU.
Despite this setback, Tatum remains open to future superhero opportunities, though he acknowledges the physical toll such roles demand. The incident serves as a reminder of the unseen challenges and risks involved in bringing comic book characters to life on the big screen.
