Edgar Wright's Marvel Journey: From Ant-Man to Gambit
Edgar Wright, the acclaimed filmmaker, turned down the chance to direct a different Marvel movie, Channing Tatum's Gambit. This decision, along with his departure from Ant-Man, showcases the intriguing journey of Wright's involvement with Marvel projects.
The Ant-Man Saga
Edgar Wright famously left Marvel Studios' Ant-Man over creative differences. However, the acclaimed filmmaker confirmed he also turned down the offer to direct a different Marvel movie: Channing Tatum's Gambit movie.
Channing Tatum Gambit X-Men
While Peyton Reed ended up directing Ant-Man, the concept was first developed and written by Wright, who had been tasked with developing the film before the MCU even existed, getting the job in April of 2006, and getting to work alongside Joe Cornish. While creative differences led to Wright walking away from the chance to direct, he did serve as an executive producer on the project, which was a success long in the making.
The Gambit Offer
While many fans know of Wright's involvement with Ant-Man, fewer still know that he almost helmed a film centered around the mutant Gambit, a popular character in X-Men comics who has even gotten his own Fortnight skin alongside fellow X-Men character Rogue. In a recent interview with SlashFilm, Wright confirmed that Simon Kinberg offered him the job, and also explained his reasoning for not taking it on.
The unproduced Gambit project has a long history. While Darren Aronofsky, J.C. Chandor, Bennett Miller, and Gareth Evans were all considered to direct the potential superhero flick, Kinberg was dead set on getting Wright in the filmmaker’s chair. Unfortunately, even if the Gambit project had gone forward, Wright wouldn’t have taken the gig.
The Impact and Legacy
Unfortunately, even if the Gambit project had gone forward, Wright wouldn’t have taken the gig. While fans will be disappointed that the film didn’t get made, none will be more so than the proposed star of the film, with Tatum admitting that he can't watch Marvel films as a result of the canceled project, which would have seen him in the lead role as Gambit.
While the time has long since passed, with the MCU heading towards integrating mutants into the shared universe, it might not be too late for the star to get his wish.
