So Gambit has already found it’s star, right? Channing Tatum has been on everyone’s mind since the fast-talking Cajun has been announced to be coming with his own spinoff that is connected to the X-Men universe. Yes women went wild when they heard it and even a few guys went crazy just because Gambit is one of the more likable characters from the X-Men franchise. The problem is he’s never gotten much play and Taylor Kitsch, for all that he was kind of pressed into the role during the questionable film that was Wolverine:Origins, was hardly the best fit. He did what he could and displayed a few awesome effects but overall he wasn’t really the guy for it.
So why is Nick Bateman?
He knows his way around a bo staff.
Since Bateman was four years old he has been practicing martial arts and, you guessed it, his favorite weapon to train with was and still is a bo staff. His moves with the staff are just flat out impressive and as any Marvel fan knows Gambit knows how to manipulate his staff to great extent. It’s not just for beating up bad guys or those that antagonize him, it’s also used for channeling that awesome power that he hold inside himself to such effect that he actually blew half of Wolverine’s face off at one point. Nick has shown such superior skill with the staff that unless Channing can match it there might need to be a changing of the guard.
He has the look for Gambit.
Gambit’s not an overly muscular character but he’s also not too wiry either. He’s been a fit and trim character for much of his time in the MCU and Bateman more than qualifies in this regard. Channing is just as fit and can slim down or bulk up for a role, but his look isn’t quite on par with the thief turned superhero. While Channing is a good actor and has proven himself in several action films he’s more of a straight up fighter than the Cajun and doesn’t seem to possess the skill set when it comes to the moves. Gambit is an acrobatic hero and as such requires a guy that could possibly do his own stunts thanks to his skills at the craft. As evidenced by his video appearance Bateman can handle that type of work quite easily.
He’s got the cocky attitude of Gambit down just right.
Oh yes, Gambit was a cocky one. It got him in trouble a time or two as the end of the video might show but it’s also been well earned. He knows that his power is formidable against most anyone and can aid him in almost any battle he can imagine. But his slightly arrogant nature kind of blinds him to danger sometimes and leads him to underestimating his opponent. He’s taken on Wolverine a time or two and found out that Logan doesn’t much care for grandstanding. While the two have claimed victories over each other Gambit has still never lost the attitude, and it’s a good thing to since he wouldn’t be quite the same person without it.
So would Nick Bateman qualify to play the role of Gambit? Signs point to yes, so Channing Tatum better decide if he really wants the role or not, because Bateman is ready and willing to cut in.
Follow Us
