Remember how Gambit was one of the X-Men spinoffs FOX would be working on? The film would follow the critical and commercial success of Deadpool and Wolverine. Even Channing Tatum, who would star as the title character, appeared at SDCC to announce that the project was in development. But the film hit multiple production stalls and was even forced to be put on the shelf because they were unable to find a director. Both Rupert Wyatt and Doug Liman walked away from the project due to creative differences. However, it seems like the studio was able to settle on Gore Verbinski to direct.

With a director locked down, the film can finally start taking the necessary steps towards production. But before they can do that, they have to assemble a cast. Reports say that Lizzy Caplan is in talks to be the first to join Tatum. More on the story below.

Variety says Caplan would play the female lead if she ends up inking the deal. Plot details are under wraps for the time being, though the film could be about the Ragin Cajun’s origins. It’s still not clear if the film will be tied in with the current X-Men Universe, or if the spinoff will take place outside of it. Of course, Gambit joins a long line of X-Men spinoffs that FOX has been working on in the past few years. This includes Deadpool, New Mutants, and the newly announced spinoff based on Multiple Man starring James Franco as the titular character.

If Gambit is going to be an origins film, it would likely explore the title mutant’s days as Remy LaBeau, a member of the Thieves Guild, the infamous New Orleans thieves who paid tithe to External Candra every seven years to gain the Elixir of Life. Caplan would likely play Bella Donna Boudreaux, who is the granddaughter of the head of the Assassins Guild, the gang rival of the Thieves Guild. Her powers include astral projection, energy blasts, and the ability to tap into one’s genetic code and bring out their mutant powers.

Though, that is just speculation. She could play a different character or a new one made for the film. If that is the case, we could possibly see Gambit as a film that would reboot the current X-Men timeline.

Caplan’s credits include Cloverfield, Now You See Me 2, and The Interview. She also appeared in the Marvel One-Shot Item 47, and has a lead role in TVs Masters of Sex.

Gambit is currently slated for a February 14, 2019, theatrical release.

[Source: Variety]