Marvel plans major character shift for Channing Tatum’s return as Gambit in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’

Kevin Feige says the character will have greater emotional depth beyond his previous comedic appearances

Channing Tatum’s return as Gambit in Avengers: Doomsday will bring a significant change to the superhero’s portrayal, with Marvel Studios promising audiences a deeper look at the character beyond his comedic personality.

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has revealed that Gambit will receive more attention as a fully developed character in the upcoming blockbuster. Speaking to Empire magazine, Feige praised Tatum’s performance and explained that the superhero would have a different tone compared with his previous Marvel appearance.

"He’s a standout," Feige said. "It’s fun to see Gambit be as charismatic as he was in Deadpool & Wolverine, and yet in Doomsday it’s not all for laughs. He’s a fully-rounded character."

Tatum first appeared as the popular X-Men character in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, where his exaggerated Cajun accent and humorous exchanges with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool became memorable elements of the film.

However, the actor has previously indicated that audiences should expect a more balanced portrayal in the next instalment. In an interview with Variety, Tatum explained that directors Anthony and Joe Russo wanted humour without turning the film into another Deadpool adventure.

He also revealed that he would soften Gambit’s thick Cajun accent, which became a running joke during his previous appearance. The character’s distinctive way of speaking had prompted several comedic reactions throughout the film.

Gambit’s return also represents a personal milestone for Tatum, who spent years attempting to develop a standalone film centred on the superhero before the project failed to materialise under 20th Century Fox.

Footage released for Avengers: Doomsday has already shown Gambit facing off against Simu Liu’s Shang-Chi, although details about his wider storyline remain undisclosed.

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 18, 2026, through Disney and Marvel Studios.