Actor Channing Tatum has closed a deal to star in “Gambit”, the spin-off movie of “X-Men”.
The move contradicts reports that appeared last week suggesting the actor would exit the project after failing to come to terms with production company 20th Century Fox, reports hollywoodreporter.com.
According to sources, Tatum and the studio did hit a sensitive spot in negotiations, but such back-and-forth is a normal part of top-level talent dealmaking. The “Magic Mike” star's participation hardly was in any real danger because the actor already had invested quite a bit in the superhero part.
Tatum has been attached to the movie as both actor and producer for a few years and even made a surprise appearance at “X-Men” panel at Comic-Con in July.
Rupert Wyatt, who directed “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”, will direct “Gambit”.
The film is slated for an October 2016 release.