Poor old Gambit. It just can't catch a break. Director Doug Liman, who had been attached to finally make the movie, has now dropped the project in favour of DC's Justice League Dark.
Channing Tatum is still on board to star as the mutant character, who exists in the X-Men universe and whose film is based at Fox. The studio has been trying to get this one made for years, with at least one other director – Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes' Rupert Wyatt, who left late last year. When Liman came aboard, the script was still in need of re-writes, and Liman was actually able to squeeze in another film in the meantime, psychological thriller The Wall.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the latest development was a "mutual parting of the ways", perhaps prompted by yet more script issues. Josh Zetumer is still at work on the screenplay, which Fox hopes to have shooting in January, though obviously whoever comes aboard now will face more of a time crunch. Cue Star Trek Beyond's Justin Lin hiding from his phone...
As for Justice League Dark, that move is even more of a surprise, though it might play more to Liman's strengths given that it's an ensemble movie made up of characters from the shadier side of the DCEU, including John Constantine, Swamp Thing, Zatanna and others. Guillermo del Toro developed it to direct, but left to concentrate on his other movies, including The Shape Of Water, which is now shooting. As for what this means for the planned animated version of Dark Universe/Justice League Dark, that has yet to be revealed.
Liman has Tom Cruise drug transport drama American Made (formerly known as Mena) due on August 25 next year, while The Wall has yet to lock in a date.