How To Make A Successful ‘Gambit’ Movie

The comic book character Gambit made his full debut in Marvel’s Uncanny X-Men #266 in 1990. Gambit. aka Remy LeBeau. is a mutant who makes explosives out of paying cards, among other things and has long been associated with the X-Men throughout his comic book history. Fox’s Gambit movie was originally set for an October 7, 2016 release starring Channing Tatum and directed by Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet Apes). Very little was known about the movie, with rumours that it would be a “sexy heist thriller” that may have also starred Lea Seydoux (Spectre) in the female lead.

Gambit was then delayed indefinitely but recently Writer/Producer Simon Kinberg (X-Men: Apocalypse and X-Men: Days of Future Past) stated that the film will finally start production early next year with Channing Tatum still to star and now Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity & Edge of Tomorrow) attached to direct.

Gambit could potentially be another huge franchise to be added to Fox’s ever growing X-Men movie universe. Let’s take a look at what could make or break a Gambit movie.

Gambit isn’t Wolverine

Despite his popularity, particularly in the 1990s, Gambit has never really been an A-list character, unlike Wolverine for example. Wolverine has maintained consistent popularity since his inception and always been a top tier character be that within the X-Men, the Avengers or his many popular solo series. Gambit has never gained this level of mass popularity and has always struggled to maintain a solo comic book run. His appearances in comic books have been intermittent since his creation in 1990 and the vast bulk of his popularity comes from fans of the early 90s animated TV show. Gambit is a cult character and should be treated as such, much like Deadpool he does have an incredibly loyal following that would be desperate to see the character properly reintroduced to the X-Men film series after the failed attempt in 2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Deadpool is a blueprint

This year witnessed the most successful movie adapted from an X-Men character and arguably the best in, Deadpool. There are many factors that made Deadpool such a success but the fact that such a passionate team were behind the project is what set it on the right course. Deadpool also featured in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, however this appearance was famously nothing like his comic-book counterpart. The latest version is a very faithful adaptation of the ever-popular merc with a mouth. Deadpool had a very tight budget that forced a lower scale and creativity from its writers and director, topped off with a sublime performance from Deadpool fanboy himself, Ryan Reynolds. Gambit could easily succeed following this formula. Gambit is not a character that needs a huge budget, he’s an interesting yet fun character with great relationships and a complex comic book history, that is what made fans fall in love with the character.

Stay true to the character

Superhero/comic book movies have been an extensively mixed bunch with great successes from Iron Man, The Dark Knight, The Avengers and Deadpool to flops such as, Green Lantern, Ghost Rider, Fantastic 4 (2015) and X-Men: The Last Stand. The common factor in the successes tends to be when the studio involved respects the source material and creates a movie that is faithful to the spirit of the character. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has seen hit after hit with their movies because, despite the many changes or alterations they make, the characters stay true to their comic book origins. Fans love Gambit because he is an entertaining rogue and a ladies man with a dark and complex past, however at his core he is a man on a heroic mission of redemption. Throughout his run in comic books, he has also been fiercely proud of his Louisiana heritage and has always had a thick cajun accent. Much like Spider-Man is a kid from Queens, Gambit is the lovable Southern rogue with swagger and charm, these basic elements are core to his appeal.

Gambit needs Rogue

Despite being an obvious ladies man, his romantic entanglement with fellow X-Man Rogue has all but defined him and frankly you can’t make a Gambit movie without Rogue. Gambit is the handsome ladies man with a dark past, making him seem tortured and aloof. However with Rogue he becomes vulnerable and she encourages his heroic desires. Rogue has already appeared as a major character in the X-Men film series played by Anna Paquin. Fox may be reluctant to recast, but they should, Rogue is integral to Gambit’s story and pairing the characters on screen would make for exciting cinema. Rogue is also one of Marvel’s very best female characters and it would serve any film well to include an accurate depiction. Gambit can and should be a fun and sexy heist movie but at it’s core this needs to be a story of a great character, his quest for redemption, and frankly a great love story.

Despite Simon Kinberg’s recent announcement there is still some scepticism that the movie will actually happen. Ryan Reynolds did everything in his power to will Deadpool into existence. Gambit is a similarly popular cult hero, but I don’t think this project has the same passion behind it at the moment.

Chris Hartmann

Chris Hartmann

Chris Hartmann is a fanboy writer here at Heroic Hollywood, currently based in Vancouver, BC.