After Taylor Kitsch briefly appeared as Gambit in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” Channing Tatum signed on to star in a movie based on the card-throwing Cajun superhero in 2014. The film was in development for five years, with Tatum frequently voicing his enthusiasm for the character and project. However, the film never materialized and Disney officially canceled the project after purchasing 20th Century Fox.

Tatum says that the main holdup was his desire to direct the film himself with producing partner Reid Carolin. The two wrote the script together, but the film was frequently delayed out of Fox’s desire to find a more experienced director. Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.