Few Marvel characters have been teased and mismanaged as Gambit. The smooth Cajun thief has been a longtime fan favorite, but Hollywood has taken decades to mess up his live-action introduction. From canceled initiatives to brief cameos, Remy LeBeau has lingered in cinematic purgatory—until now. With Marvel Studios on the verge of reintroducing the X-Men, the real question is easy: who finally gets to bring Gambit to life on screen? Here’s a glance at 10 actors who might make it work—listed from “intriguing risk” to “ideal casting.”
10. Channing Tatum – The Almost-Gambit
For years, Channing Tatum was set to star in a Gambit solo film that never went beyond development hell. His tongue-in-cheek cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine was both a love letter to the fans and a cheeky punchline. As much fun as that was, the MCU’s reboot must have a fresh start, not nostalgia.
9. Tom Blyth – The Underdog
Not a household name yet, Tom Blyth has shown promise with layered performances in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and Billy the Kid. His low profile could work to Marvel’s advantage, as they often turn rising actors into stars. Blyth has the subtlety to make Gambit more than just a smirk and a deck of cards.
8. Chace Crawford – The Familiar Face
The Boys showed that Chace Crawford is capable of pulling off superhero parts with humor and edginess. As The Deep, he found a balance between silliness and charm, and he’s a surprisingly good bet to play Gambit. He’s got the looks, the swagger, and enough range to slide right into Marvel’s ranks of mutants.
7. Joel Kinnaman – The Surprise Choice
Best remembered as Rick Flag in Suicide Squad, Joel Kinnaman possesses the rough-around-the-edges presence and dry humor that could serve the character of Gambit well. He may not be the actor readers immediately consider for the role, but that surprise value might bring something special to Marvel.
6. Ian Somerhalder – The Brooding Charmer
With his smoldering performance as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries, Ian Somerhalder made a career playing magnetic rogues. He could easily access Gambit’s romantic side but also delve into the darker aspects of his history.
5. Brenton Thwaites – The Fighter
Having already portrayed Nightwing on Titans, Brenton Thwaites is familiar with what it feels like to bring a favorite comic book character to life. Being athletic and charming by nature, he might be able to bring Gambit the physicality and swagger that fans are hoping for.
4. Travis Fimmel – The Intense Veteran
Vikings viewers know Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok—a role that required grit and sly humor. He’d probably be an older Gambit, but his unpredictable energy and battle-hardened presence could bring depth to the character in the MCU.
3. Dacre Montgomery – The Wild Card
As Billy in Stranger Things, Dacre Montgomery infused the screen with perilous charisma and unexpected vulnerability. The same mix would make him stand out as Gambit, a character who is dangerous but also very human.
2. Matt Bomer – The Perfect Match
Sometimes it’s all about the perfect fit, and Matt Bomer fits most, if not all, of the criteria. He has the looks, charm, and acting chops to play Gambit without even breaking a sweat. It’s not easy not to imagine him shuffling cards and stealing scenes.
1. Austin Butler – The Star Power Move
Fresh from Elvis and Dune: Part Two, Austin Butler has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most marketable up-and-coming stars. With charm, intensity, and leading-man charisma, he could be the anchor for Gambit’s spot on the X-Men while assisting Marvel in opening its new mutant chapter.
Gambit’s greatest strength has never been as a single man—it’s his relationships with Rogue, his battle with Cyclops, and his trash talk with Wolverine that make him memorable. With the reboot on the way in the MCU, Marvel finally gets the opportunity to cease its treatment of Gambit as a joke character and instead let him be the wild card he was destined to be. Let’s hope they don’t fold this time.