'Gambit' Rumors: Channing Tatum Leaving Lead Role?

Reports have emerged that Channing Tatum is ready to exit the "Gambit" production and letting go of the lead role in the film. Despite campaigning for a titular role for some time, the actor is reportedly abandoning the project for undisclosed reasons.

20th Century Fox has been inching towards pre-production of their announced "X-Men" franchise expansion movie, and speculation has arisen that the deal between Fox and the actor may have fallen apart.

Tatum's campaign for the part of the fictional superhero was one of the factors to have fast-tracked the solo movie's development, and despite rumors of his walking away from the project, Fox hasn't confirmed that they are slowing down production, so producers Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner may find themselves hunting for a leading man.

No reasons have been given for Tatum's exit, although hints he may have disagreed with the choice of directors, or Fox's vision for the film have emerged, according to Cinemablend.

Fox recently teased the upcoming film at the San Diego Comic Con earlier this month as the production outfit's fourth solo release for its successful "X-Men" Marvel franchise, succeeding "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "The Wolverine," and the soon-to-be-released "Deadpool."

Production for "Gambit" is due to start next month, and has been scheduled for theater release by Oct. 7, 2016, the third "X-Men" film to be released for that year.

Neither 20th Century Fox nor Tatum's representative have released any comment on the rumors that the actor is leaving the project.