Channing Tatum's standalone "Gambit" movie just can't seem to catch a break.
After struggling to find the perfect filmmaker to handle the project (three directors initially passed on the job), it finally breathed a sigh of relief when Rupert Wyatt decided to take on the job.
But now, it looks like the film will have to scramble in finding another director once again because Wyatt has indeed left the project.
There were rumors that the director encountered some issues concerning the script and budget, but Wyatt has said that it was not the case, since the real issue was regarding the timing of the film. They initially planned to start filming November this year, but they changed the production schedule to March 2016, which conflicted with another project Wyatt is handling.
"I was very much looking forward to working with my friend Channing and the team at Fox, but regrettably a push in the start date now conflicts with another project. I thank them for the opportunity, and I know that Gambit will make a terrific film," he said in a statement for Deadline.
"Gambit" would be the second "X-Men" character who would be getting a standalone film following Hugh Jackman's Wolverine.
Tatum has been really excited to create the movie, even mastering Remy LeBeau's distinct Cajun accent and practicing his card-throwing skills. He was also thrilled that they got Wyatt. The actor earlier spoke with fans in a special "Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, and he told them why it was so important to get the movie done.
"We finally found someone that I really do believe wants to make 'Gambit,' it will be the second standalone character. And I just really think because Gambit is not the most popular or the biggest hero, I think there's a really unique opportunity. Marvel's done a lot of great movies that have made a ridiculous amount of money, and it's always good to figure how to change the form," he said.
Gambit has the ability to mentally create, control, and manipulate pure kinetic energy, based on his liking. He also possesses several incredible skills such as card-throwing, hand-to-hand combat, and battling with the use of a staff. One of his signature moves is throwing playing cards and other objects with kinetic energy, and using these as explosive projectiles.
Meanwhile, "James Bond: Spectre" actress Lea Seydoux has been hired to play LeBeau's love interest Bella Donna Boudreaux in the film.
"Gambit" has been slated for release on October 7, 2016.
