Gambit: Simon Kinberg says Disney is evaluating the spin-off movie

Simon Kinberg has revealed that while the merger between Disney and Fox were underway, the Gambit movie was being ‘evaluated.’

X–Men custodian and director of X–Men: Dark Phoenix, Simon Kinberg, gave an update on the Gambit movie following the completion of the merger between Disney and FOX. He stated it is currently “being evaluated.”

The Gambit movie is currently one of many films being developed at FOX including Deadpool 3 and X–Force. Walt Disney CEO, Bob Iger, already highlighted the last two movies and subsequent Marvel films will still retain their R-rating if deemed necessary.

On the red carpet of The Twilight Zone reboot, covered by Variety, Kinberg after stating Gambit’s current status at FOX went on to say:

"“I love the idea of Channing playing Gambit. I think we have a great script for it and I think it’s a role he was born to play.”"

Kinberg then added:

"“It’s a character I grew up loving and I know the fans love. So I suspect, I hope it will happen.”"

The road for the Cajun mutant’s standalone movie has been a tough one. After the portrayal on X–Men Origins: Wolverine by Taylor Kitsch, a solo Gambit movie has been in development hell for years. Many directors such as Rupert Wyatt, Doug Liman and Gore Verbinski have come and gone. Magic Mike star and one of the producers of Gambit, Channing Tatum, has been a constant in the leading role of the New Orleans raised mutant.

At the time Gambit was set for a June 7 release this year, Magic Mike producer, Reid Carolin, worked on a new draft of the script with Joshua Zetumer and initially was set to kick off shooting sometime last summer, but was delayed. More recently, after Tatum departed UTA and 360 Management, he considered directing the movie himself. A very risky undertaking considering his lack of experience in the role.

Whether or not re-negotiations for his deal to sign on to direct as well as produce and star happens, it does not matter even if the film’s budget does not pose much of a risk to the studio. It all depends on the decision and direction current management wish to take with the movie as part of their wider franchise.

Gambit is currently scheduled for release March 13, 2020.