Channing Tatum Would Like To Play Gambit In An X-Men Movie

The superhero role is practically a rite of passage at this point for hot young stars, from Andrew Garfield to Chris Hemsworth. Channing Tatum gets his turn next year, voicing Lego Superman in The Lego Movie. In truth, however, there's another classic comics character that Tatum would like to play.

Speaking at a press event for White House Down, Tatum revealed his affection for fan-favorite X-Man Gambit. "He was punk rock. He kind of rode the line," Tatum said admiringly. Hit the jump to find out why Tatum believes he'd be perfect for the part.

However, he continued:

I would like to play Gambit. Gambit's my favorite. I'm from New Orleans, around that area. My dad's from New Orleans, and I like to do a Cajun accent. I could do it for real. No knock on Taylor Kitsch, though, 'cause I actually like his Gambit, but I've always lived around Cajun people. [...] Gambit was always like the woman-loving, cigarette-smoking, drinking [guy]. He was the punk rock of all the superheroes. He's a thief. He kind of rode the line.

As Tatum mentioned, Gambit was previously played by Kitsch in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. While Kitsch's performance was the least of that film's problems, it was nothing close to the breakout turn that fans of Gambit and Kitsch alike had hoped for. Maybe Tatum would be just the guy to reinvigorate the character.

Of course, that's really just wishful thinking at this point. There's been no indication from Fox that they intend to bring Gambit back, let alone that they want Tatum for the part. Still, it's a fun bit of fantasy casting to consider. What say you — would you want to see Tatum tackle the Ragin' Cajun?