Ryan Reynolds Backs Channing Tatum’s Gambit with a Promise to Return as Deadpool

In the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the camaraderie between stars often fuels fan excitement just as much as the films themselves. Recently, Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum have become the center of attention—not only for their on-screen roles but for their off-screen support and banter surrounding the long-anticipated Gambit standalone movie.

A Long-Awaited Role Finally Realized

Channing Tatum’s journey as Gambit has been a decade-long saga. Initially attached to a Gambit solo film before Disney’s 2019 acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the project encountered numerous delays and was ultimately shelved. Fans’ hopes were reignited with Tatum’s much-anticipated cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine (July 2024), where he finally donned the iconic Cajun mutant’s mantle.

Ryan Reynolds, who stars as Deadpool and also co-wrote and executive produced Deadpool & Wolverine, has been an outspoken champion of Tatum’s Gambit. Drawing on his own experience—where leaked test footage in 2014 helped convince studios to greenlight the Deadpool franchise—Reynolds sees parallels in Tatum’s efforts to bring a comic-accurate Gambit to life.

Reynolds’ Vocal Support and Promise

In a November 2024 interview on Entertainment Weekly’s Awardist podcast, Reynolds shared his enthusiasm: “I honestly don’t know what goes on behind closed doors in the bookkeeping sessions at Marvel, but I do know that they’re obsessed with him in that role.” He emphasized how vital Tatum’s cameo was as a “proof of concept,” much like his own journey with Deadpool.

Taking his support a step further, Reynolds promised on Instagram in September 2024 that he would reprise his Deadpool role in a potential Gambit film. “When he makes a Gambit movie, I’ll return the favor. If he needs a Deadpool, I can do that. Someone to provide fresh orange slices to the crew, no problem. Name it,” Reynolds wrote, showing not only commitment but a playful camaraderie.

His excitement has been echoed across social media, including an August 2024 X post where he called Gambit “a guy Chan was born to play,” praising Tatum’s persistence and expressing his hope for more Gambit stories.

Tatum’s Enthusiastic Response

Channing Tatum has welcomed Reynolds’ backing with warmth and humor. Responding to the Instagram promise, Tatum called Reynolds the “best human ever” and joked that the promise was a “binding contract,” signaling his eagerness to hold Reynolds to his word.

Tatum’s gratitude toward Reynolds runs deep. In July 2024, following Deadpool & Wolverine’s release, Tatum posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “I thought I had lost Gambit forever. But he fought for me and Gambit. I will owe him probably forever.” The post featured photos from Comic-Cons spanning a decade, highlighting the enduring professional and personal bond between the two actors.

Reinforcing his desire for a standalone Gambit film, Tatum told Variety in August 2024, “I sure hope so. From your mouth to God’s ears. Write it into existence, my friend. Please. Of course, I’ve said it [to Marvel]. I’ve been saying I want it for the last ten years. It’s in Bob Iger and Kevin Feige’s hands. I pray to God.”

The Road Ahead for Gambit

While official word on a Gambit solo movie remains pending, the dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum continues to energize fans. Reynolds’ public pledge to support the project by returning as Deadpool, combined with Tatum’s unwavering enthusiasm, suggest that the characters—and their stories—remain very much alive in Marvel’s future plans.

For now, Marvel enthusiasts can look forward to the continued collaboration between these two stars, whose real-life friendship and professional respect add an exciting layer to the superhero universe. Whether or not a standalone Gambit film materializes, the duo’s chemistry and mutual support remain undeniable—and that alone is something to celebrate.