Actor Channing Tatum might drop out of the "X-Men" spin-off film "Gambit" in which he is set to play the titular lead character Remy LeBeau aka Gambit. According to a report from TheWrap, the deal is "falling apart" despite the studios now already going through the casting process to find their leading lady.
The actor isn't out yet as representatives are still in active discussions with the studio but they have reported that "something is up."
No reasons for his intention to leave have been cited. Tatum might be leaving due to financial disputes, scheduling conflicts, or creative differences with the studio but as of the time of writing, nothing concrete has been announced to the public.
Reid Carolin, Tatum's producing partner, stated in a report from Grantland that he and Tatum are currently working toward the latter's directorial debut and it is possible that Tatum's desire to step behind the camera is the main cause of the issues with 20th Century Fox as he may want to prioritize one project over the other.
If Tatum drops out, then director Rupert Wyatt will have to find a replacement quickly as the film is already slated for release on Oct. 7, 2016. The date may be moved but 20th Century Fox appears to like this date as there are rumors of building a larger cinematic universe with the main "X-Men" films, the spin-off films, and "Fantasic Four."
The report also states that although Tatum might drop out as the leading actor, there is still a possibility he will stick on with Carolin as producers for "Gambit," alongside Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner.
According to TheWrap, "Gambit" has been a passion project for the actor and he did indeed hype up the film during the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. However, he reportedly has "larger ambitions" and this might be a factor on why negotiations between him and the studios are allegedly falling coming apart.
