Channing Tatum may be the title character in the tentatively titled Gambit, the upcoming X-Men film spinoff based on the character of the same name.

Even though the film had a script, it was lacking a director. Now there is a new report that says Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Gambler) has signed on to direct the film. Find out more about the story below.

EW was the first to confirm Wyatt’s hiring. The director is best known for his work on Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which also happens to be a 20th Century Fox film. The rebooted Apes franchise film went on to gross over $400 million in its theatrical run, and eventually went on to spawn more sequels like the successful Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and the tentatively titled War of the Planet of the Apes.

Written by RoboCop scribe Josh Zetumer, Gambit will be based on a treatment written by Chris Claremont. Claremont’s writings for the Wolverine’s limited series run in 1982 was actually the inspiration for 2013″²s The Wolverine. In fact Gambit was created by Claremont and Jim Lee, and made his official debut in 1990. The character made his first cinematic appearance in 2009’s X-Men: Origins – Wolverine, where he was played by Taylor Kitsch. However, this Gambit will mark the first time the character has had a film to call his own.

Gambit aka Remy LeBeau, is the mutant member of the X-Men, who possesses the power to charge objects with kinetic energy, often times using a deck of playing cards as his weapon of choice. He is also known for charming personality and thick southern accent. Fans have also dubbed him the Ragin’ Cajun.

Tatum had expressed an interest in playing the role a few years back, and X-Men produced Lauren Shuler Donner obliged him by making him an offer to play the character. Here’s how Tatum described the character,

Now there has been rumors that Gambit could make a cameo appearance in X-Men: Apocalypse, which would eventually lead to his solo film. But much like Deadpool’s rumored cameo, none of that has been confirmed.

Tatum will produce Gambit along with is producing partner Reid Carolin, and X-Men producers Schuler Donner and Simon Kinberg. The film is scheduled for a October 7, 2016 release.

So what do you think of Fox choosing Wyatt to direct the movie?

[Source: EW]