Channing Tatum Bombed Audition to Play Another Marvel Superhero

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For quite some time, Channing Tatum was linked to a standalone Gambit movie that frequently appeared on the brink of production during the Fox Studios era. Despite the actor’s evident enthusiasm for the character, the project eventually got stuck in development hell and disappeared following Disney’s takeover of the studio. Fans who had eagerly advocated for Tatum’s casting felt that the chance had slipped away, but that perspective shifted dramatically with his unexpected appearance as the card-tossing Cajun mutant in Deadpool & Wolverine, a guest role that resonated deeply with audiences. This led Marvel Studios to confirm his reprisal for the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday. However, Tatum’s entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe nearly began much sooner, as he once attempted – but ultimately failed – to secure a role in one of the original Avengers.

In an interview with Variety, Tatum shared that he wasn’t particularly eager to play Thor, but the opportunity to audition for Kenneth Branagh in the first Thor movie was too enticing to resist. The experience, though, turned out to be a humbling one as it exposed a lack of stillness in his acting at the time. After doing one take, Branagh instructed him to stay still and place his hands on a chair. However, Tatum froze up, allowing Branagh to point out his weakness. This incident motivated him to spend the next five years focusing on mastering stillness in his performances.

In essence, Chris Hemsworth earned the part of Thor, a character he’s brought to life for over ten years and made pivotal within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His portrayal transformed Thor into a much-loved hero among fans, but his future post-“Avengers: Doomsday” is uncertain as Marvel deliberates the next steps for the character. Looking back, it seems that Joe Manganiello’s audition for Thor didn’t pan out, which turned out to be fortunate for audiences since Hemsworth snagged the iconic role. This left Manganiello open to eventually embody Gambit, another beloved character for fans, ensuring both actors found their ideal roles within the MCU.

Channing Tatum and Chris Hemsworth Will Cross Paths in Avengers: Doomsday

In the upcoming movie “Avengers: Doomsday”, the solo journeys of actors Chris Hemsworth and Taylor Kitsch (Tatum’s character in the Marvel universe) will collide. This is a monumental crossover event, where heroes from various dimensions will come together. The film aims to be one of the most extensive ensemble productions ever made in cinema, assembling numerous superhero groups to battle an impending end-of-universe catastrophe.

The Russo Brothers, who previously directed “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”, are back for this project, with a script written by Stephen McFeely. Filming is currently happening, all leading up to what Marvel claims will be a pivotal part of the ongoing Multiverse Storyline.

As a die-hard Marvel fan, I can’t contain my excitement when I share that the upcoming Marvel Studios project promises an extraordinary ensemble. In the not-so-distant future, Chris Hemsworth’s legendary Thor – one of the few remaining original Avengers standing tall – will unite forces with established champions like Anthony Mackie’s Captain America and Letitia Wright’s Black Panther. This dynamic trio will be bolstered by the inclusion of the complete Fantastic Four roster, including Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic and Vanessa Kirby as the Invisible Woman.

Interestingly, this blockbuster event will also tap into characters from the Fox-era X-Men films, welcoming back veterans such as Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Kelsey Grammer (Beast), and a returning Gambit, played by Tatum.

Intriguingly, the primary adversary that will test this unparalleled alliance is none other than Victor Von Doom. Adding an unexpected twist to the plot, Robert Downey Jr. is set to make a stunning comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reprising his role as the villain.

Despite keeping the specifics under secrecy, it’s anticipated that the narrative will revolve around Doctor Doom’s ambitious plan to dominate multiple universes. This plot twist might compel diverse groups of superheroes to join forces against him. The story may delve into comic book scenarios like “Doomwar” and explore the complex idea of multiversal encounters, where realities intersect and risk destroying each other.

Though an extensive cast has already been confirmed, some prominent characters have yet to appear in the official lineup announcements. Notably, Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrayed Doctor Strange in previous multiverse-related conflicts, is not yet officially confirmed. However, there are whispers that he might play a significant role, potentially even siding with Doctor Doom.

Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 18, 2026.

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2025-09-04 12:12