Channing Tatum Might Leave Gambit Solo Film
All seemed well for Fox and their X-Men film properties out of San Diego Comic Con '15. After all, they cemented their status at the comic book convention with a great panel showcasing all of their upcoming films (Deadpool, X-Men: Apocalypse, et al) and an epic on-stage selfie. All seemed well and good coming out of the successful panel, but rumor has it that everything might not be as it seems.
Despite lobbying to play Gambit, it appears that Channing Tatum (Magic Mike XXL) might be dropping out of the Gambit solo film due to discrepancies related to his deal. Tatum is also co-producing the film, but there's no word if he'll continue to produce the film if he drops out (though, I'd think it's safe to say he would have no involvement whatsoever if he does, indeed, leave). The news comes just a short month after director Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) was announced as director of the film and rumors that Lea Seydoux (SPECTRE, Blue is the Warmest Color) might be cast in the lead actress role.
It'll be a huge blow to Fox and the X-Men film franchise if Tatum exits. While X-Men: Apocalypse and Deadpool are sure to be bonafide box office successes, a Tatum-led Gambit just could have been the gambit Fox needed to overtake the proper Marvel Studios films. We'll have more information as it becomes available.
[via The Wrap]
[Trailer] Foxcatcher
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When Channing Tatum first came onto the scene with Step Up, I wasn't quite sure how I felt. So, okay, the dude could dance and look pretty, but was their any more potential? Since the film, I feel as if he's an actor that has really stepped up his game in the market. As a writer who attempts comedy on the occasion, I have this newfound understanding of how difficult it is to get others to laugh. My respect for Tatum was formed with 21 Jump Street and was even more emphasized with its sequel, 22 Jump Street. (If you're questioning my judgement because of Magic Mike, please keep in mind that Matthew McConaughey still won an Oscar after that terrible film.)
Now, throw in some names like Steve Carrell and Mark Ruffalo alongside Tatum, and my interest in a film may be peaked. Foxcatcher does just that. Based on true events, the film shares the story of two champion wrestlers and their relationship with an oddball millionaire. Wealthy heir John du Pont (Carrell) invites Olympic Gold Medal Winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Tatum) to move onto his estate and work to build a team to train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics in his personal training facility. Schultz immediately seizes this opportunity in the hopes of being able to step out of the shadow of his brother, Dave (Mark Ruffalo). Du Pont sees this opportunity to coach and train a team as one to gain the respect of his peers and his own mother who looks down on him (Vanessa Redgrave).
Directed by Bennett Miller, a man with directing credentials for both Moneyball and Capote, this is a film that for sure looks worth a viewing. It will be in theaters November 14, 2014.
[Trailer 2] 22 Jump Street
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A new trailer for 22 Jump Street was released yesterday. Riding high on 22 Jump Street writers' Phil Lord and Chris Miller's written/directorial success with The Lego Movie, the lens on 22 Jump Street has been heightened a bit. This second trailer for 22 Jump Street is admittedly similar to the first trailer released in December. However, it features an "alternate ending" that is definitely worth rehashing the same footage for.
Following the events of 21 Jump Street, Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) continue on with the 21 Jump Street initiative, this time moving to a church across the street, hence the film's title of 22 Jump Street. In their new assignments, the two infiltrate a local college to bust a crime ring being run by a fraternity. However, as is expected, the two face different circumstances that throws their friendship and their lives into question.
22 Jump Street will be jumping into theaters on June 13th.