Channing Tatum finally realized his long-awaited dream of playing Gambit in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, making a memorable debut in 2024’s Deadpool and Wolverine. His portrayal quickly drew attention for its faithful comic book accuracy and distinctive Cajun accent, firmly establishing him as the character’s face in the MCU. However, with Marvel Studios preparing a new X-Men reboot slated for 2028, speculation grows about who might succeed Tatum as the MCU’s Gambit.
Tatum had initially been attached to the role during Fox’s X-Men era before that franchise concluded after Disney’s acquisition of Fox. The Marvel powerhouse later brought Remy LeBeau into the MCU, giving Tatum the chance to fulfill his ambition. He is set to reprise the role in Avengers: Doomsday, but the upcoming film reboot is expected to replace most existing X-Men roles, suggesting a new Gambit actor will emerge in the near future.
Brenton Thwaites: Bringing Charm and Team Leadership Experience
Australian actor Brenton Thwaites is familiar with superhero ensemble casts, thanks to his role as Dick Grayson in the DC Universe series Titans, which later moved to HBO Max. Over the show’s four seasons, Thwaites portrayed Grayson’s transformation from Robin to Nightwing, reflecting a complex growth from a distant ally to a dependable team leader. Despite the series’ typically darker tone, he occasionally showcased the lighter, playful qualities that define Grayson’s comic book persona.
Thwaites’ blend of charm and charisma, paired with proven physical agility from intense fight sequences, makes him a convincing candidate to succeed Tatum as Gambit. His demonstrated acting range indicates he could skillfully embody the playful, card-throwing mutant’s personality while handling the demanding action sequences an MCU role requires.
Dacre Montgomery: A Charismatic Fit for Gambit’s Layers
As Marvel prepares to recast the X-Men, Dacre Montgomery presents an appealing option for Gambit thanks to his charisma and acting versatility. Known widely for his role as Billy Hargrove in Stranger Things, Montgomery delivered a multi-dimensional performance filled with nuance and intensity. His ability to explore layers beneath a confident exterior aligns well with the complexity of Gambit’s character.
Montgomery’s previous experience includes playing Jason Scott, the Red Ranger, in the 2017 Power Rangers movie, marking him as no stranger to superhero action. His strong screen presence and familiarity with the genre suggest he could make an impactful transition to the MCU’s reboot, potentially revitalizing Gambit’s character in a major way.
A.J. LoCascio: The Voice Behind Gambit Ready for Live Action
A.J. LoCascio stands out as the actor most intimately connected with Gambit on this list, currently voicing the character in Disney Plus’ X-Men ’97 animated series. His role follows in the footsteps of the original voice actor, Chris Potter, and he skillfully blends the established style with his own interpretation. LoCascio also lends his voice to Gambit in the Marvel Rivals RPG game, underpinning his deep understanding of the character’s unique tone and mannerisms.
More than just voice acting, LoCascio has cosplayed Gambit on numerous occasions, impressing fans with his striking resemblance to the character. This visual accuracy, combined with his vocal expertise, has even sparked fan demands that Marvel consider casting him in a live-action MCU Gambit role. His intimate knowledge of Gambit’s nuances makes him a natural contender to step into the shoes left by Tatum.
With the MCU planning a fresh wave of X-Men films, replacing key actors like Channing Tatum becomes an inevitable step toward rebooting the beloved mutant franchise. Each potential replacement brings distinct qualities—Thwaites offers leadership and charm, Montgomery combines charisma with emotional complexity, and LoCascio provides unmatched familiarity with Gambit’s iconic voice and spirit. These three stand out as strong candidates who could both honor Tatum’s legacy and expand the character’s presence in the MCU’s evolving landscape.
