The latest issue to plague 20th Century Fox’s plans for aGambitmovie–before it ever even gets into production–is now, apparently, the loss of directorGore Verbinski. The Oscar-winning director, perhaps best known as the captain of threePirates of the Caribbeanfilms, has exited the picture during the pre-production phase citing scheduling issues.Channing Tatumis still on board to play the title role, as he has been for a long, long time.
Deadlinereported Verbinski’s exit, later confirmed byTHR. Fox had the film set for a August 05, 2025 release, butrecently pushed it backjust a little bit to July 09, 2025. That’ll be the same weekend asCharlie’s AngelsandThe Secret Life of Pets 2. However, this new date could end up being a heart-breaker yet again. And while “scheduling issues” may be every bit as prevalent as “creative differences” when it comes to excuses for movie delays,Gambithad finally secured Verbinski, who had his own production team in place with plans for a New Orleans-based shoot this March, and the studio had set a release date. Is this more fallout from the impending Disney/Fox deal, or something else entirely?
Tatum was courted for the role of Gambit as far back asearly 2014by producerLauren Shuler Donnerand has weathered quite the ride since then. The director’s chair has been more of a rotating door over the last few years with names likeRupert Wyatt,Doug Limanand now Verbinski coming and going. If Fox hopes to keep their release date–and if Disney’s deal doesn’t factor in–they’ll have to move fast to secure a new director while also filling out the cast.Lizzy Caplanwas the only name to surface in this regardin recent months, but like everything else surrounding the solo story about the kinetic energy-powered ragin' Cajun mutant, we’ll have to wait and see if that deal is still on the table. The script forGambitcomes fromJosh Zetumer, apparently aiming to be a heist film with comedy elements, and is produced by Tatum,Reid Carolin,Simon Kinberg, Shuler Donner.
WillGambitever see the light of day? Should it even be a movie in the first place? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
