Earlier this week news broke that Channing Tatum had abruptly (at least from an outsider’s perspective) exited the Gambit solo film. No reason was given, although with the reported, proposed budget coming in at $160 million (that’s $10 million more than X-Men: Days of Future Past), it seemed fair to speculate that Tatum’s departure had something to do with budget issues. You can breathe a sigh of relief now, though, because Tatum is back on the Gambit pony.

THR reports that Tatum has closed a deal with 20th Century Fox on the Gambit solo film following this week’s report that he was leaving the project. Tatum (or a representative) may very well have been using the press to help his negotiations with the studio.

While exact details of Tatum’s deal with Fox are unknown, it seems that money was definitely an issue, with the actor’s backend compensation a “sticking point,” as well as his overall commitment to the franchise. Fox reportedly envisions Gambit as a new icon for the X-Men universe, and with Hugh Jackman’s impending departure, the studio needs a new character who can act in both his own solo films as well as make appearances in future X-Men movies. That’s a huge commitment, and one that could require more of Tatum’s time than he’d like to give.

The previous report of Tatum’s possible departure came as a shock, given how heavily invested the actor has been in the character — Tatum is a self-professed, longtime fan of Gambit, and is producing the film himself alongside partner Reid Carolin.

The Gambit film is set to be directed by Dawn of the Planet of the ApesRupert Wyatt, based on a treatment by original Gambit creator Chris Claremont and a screenplay by Josh Zetumer.

Gambit hits theaters on October 7, 2016.

 

 

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