Furious Over the Theft of Fox’s Romantic Comedy Featuring ‘X-Men’ Characters

Missing the Mark on Superhero Rom-Coms

In the realm of superhero films, the need for a romantic comedy angle has been largely overlooked. While romantic undertones often surface in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, finding a superhero-centric rom-com is a rarity. Sadly, fan favorites like Deadpool and Wolverine—fondly referred to as Poolverine—don’t quite fit the bill.

The Nearly Realized Gambit Rom-Com

Flashback to the 2010s, when we were on the brink of seeing a unique superhero rom-com featuring the character Gambit. This film, which never came to fruition, was reportedly intended to be a lighthearted take on the genre, as hinted by one of its prospective stars, Lizzy Caplan.

“We got down the road, we were gonna shoot it. I think there was a start date. I had had meetings with Channing, and there were a couple different… we had a director, then we didn’t, but I had multiple meetings with Channing and the other producers. They wanted to do, like, a ’30s kind of screwball romantic comedy set in that world, which would have been really fun, ” Caplan told Business Insider.

The Potential Dynamics

Imagining this Gambit film conjures up two exciting scenarios for Caplan’s role. She could have brought to life the iconic character Rogue, famously known as Gambit’s significant other. The chemistry between Caplan and Channing Tatum would have created a captivating visual—especially considering their characters’ inability to physically touch, intensifying the on-screen tension and romance.

Alternatively, Caplan could have portrayed Bella Donna Boudreaux, a childhood friend of Gambit. Their storyline would resonate with a whimsical twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet tale, as they belong to rival factions in the comics. Such a narrative would have offered a rich tapestry of conflict, passion, and comedic moments that would resonate well in theaters.

The Disappointment of a Missed Opportunity

Despite the promise this film held, the envisioned “screwball romantic comedy” within the X-Men universe was ultimately sidelined. As it stands, Tatum’s portrayal of Gambit was delayed until 2024, and made a minimal appearance in the recent Deadpool and Wolverine crossover film. For many fans, including myself, this cameo did not do justice to Tatum’s talents or to the romantic angle that could have been explored.

While it’s a relief that Tatum eventually donned the Gambit persona, it leaves one wishing for what could have been. Tatum shines in romantic comedies, and his performance in lesser-known films like Fly Me to the Moon highlights his charm and comedic timing. Unfortunately, reports suggest that Disney’s acquisition of Fox may have squashed the dream of a vibrant Gambit rom-com. It feels paradoxical—Disney, known for fulfilling fantasies, inadvertently dashed this particularly exciting vision.

As fans, we can only hope that the world of superhero films embraces romantic comedy elements in the future. It would undoubtedly add new dimensions and appeal to a broader audience.

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