The path to the big screen for the Gambit standalone movie hasn’t been a first one. After initially being beset by rumours that its star, Channing Tatum, was leaving the movie (he wasn’t), it has now been confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter that director Rupert Wyatt has departed the movie.
Despite various rumours, Wyatt himself blamed scheduling conflicts for the decision, saying in a statement, “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.”
The push in start date Wyatt referred to is reportedly the result of a script change that caused the budget to increase, resulting in the start date being pushed back. Regardless, it’s a blow for the project, which hasn’t exactly had the smoothest journey so far.
So far, a potential replacement director hasn’t been mooted, although Tatum, Reid Carolin, Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg remain on board as producers.
Gambit will be released in cinemas sometime in 2016. Check out the comics that inspired the film in the 100 All-Time Greatest Comics bookazine now.
