X-Men: Austin Butler stuns as Gambit in jaw-dropping image

Fans can’t wait for the X-Men to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe and this image of Austin Butler as Gambit has us eager to see him join the MCU.

The X-Men are coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We don’t know when, but it’s inevitable now that Marvel finally has secured the rights to the rich archive of characters.

As much as we love the 20th Century Fox films, there is no denying the excitement of seeing the likes of Wolverine, Jean Grey, Cyclops, and all of our favorite X-Men characters appearing on screen alongside the likes of all of our favorite MCU heroes (and villains).

With the X-Men coming to the MCU, buzz over which actors and actresses will be tapped to take on the iconic heroes and villains remains a trending topic among fans. Everyone has their dream casting for their favorite characters and thanks to the amazing artistry of several talented graphic artists, these dreams are transformed into reality.

The fun thing about fan art is that it not only allows us the chance to see what particular actors could look like in a role but also opens the door to endless possibilities and castings one might not have previously thought of. Take for example a new rendering that sees Elvis star Austin Butler transforming into Remy LeBeau aka Gambit!

What Austin Butler could look like as Gambit in the MCU

As part of a new art series, digital artist Subi Özil has put their spin on the character with the fan-casting of Butler in the role.

In the jaw-dropping concept art, Butler is transformed into the beloved hero who was criminally overlooked and underutilized by 20th Century Fox. The art perfectly captures Gambit’s essence with Butler rocking the character’s signature look complete with his black tights and black and pink (or purple depending on who you ask) long-sleeved top. Of course, the look would not be complete without his iconic brown coat and cowl.

What really sets the photo aside though is the addition of Gambit’s kinetically charged playing cards, which have long been a staple for the character.

Is Austin Butler joining the MCU?

At this time, Marvel has not announced any casting announcements for the X-Men roster nor has the studio announced any X-Men projects. Marvel has also not announced any deals with Austin Butler, with the Elvis star not attached to any Marvel Studios project or role at this time.

When it comes to the role of Gambit, the only actor whose name seems to be connected to the character is Channing Tatum who was once set to star as the iconic X-Men hero in a standalone film. However, the project seems to have died with Marvel likely to bring in a different actor to play the character of Gambit when the time comes to introduce him into the MCU — which could be incredibly soon!

A new rumor circulating online suggests Marvel could be casting for a new series that might center around Gambit and his family. While there is nothing confirmed, a prominent insider has reported Marvel is casting a 20-something actor to play “an entitled, volatile brat who likes to wield the power his family commands but yet lacks the restraint required to influence his powerful parents,” who hail from Louisiana and run a powerful crime syndicate.

If this turns out to be Gambit, we have to admit we would love to see Butler get the chance to join the MCU via the role and there’s no denying he’d make an incredible Gambit! However, it does appear Butler has his sights set on another Marvel character.

Rumors have been running rampant that Butler and his team have been actively campaigning for the highly sought-after role of the Human Torch in Marvel’s upcoming Fantastic Four feature. Landing a role in the upcoming film is something on the radar for many stars, which makes sense given how high profile a project the film is — and the paydays that come with Marvel films.

As we’ve seen, Butler could definitely make for an amazing Human Torch and it’s not surprising that the young actor has his sights set on joining the MCU via the role. It’s definitely one of Marvel’s highest-profile roles in years and would be quite the follow-up from his Oscar-nominated performance in Elvis. 

His interest in the MCU also bodes well for the likelihood of seeing him appear in the franchise. Even if he doesn’t land the role of Human Torch, the above fan art proves there are other characters including Gambit that could also be a perfect fit for Butler should Marvel approach the star for a role in the MCU.

Would you like to see Austin Butler play Gambit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? If not Butler, who are you hoping might be cast in the role of Gambit in the MCU? Let us know in the comments below!