Marvel’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious crossover events the studio has ever attempted, and Channing Tatum’s Gambit is at the heart of the conversation again. 
After his scene-stealing cameo in Deadpool & Wolverine, Tatum is back, this time in a much larger role – but with a few unexpected twists.
Speaking with Variety, Tatum revealed that his involvement in one of the film’s biggest battles was cut short by injury. Originally slated to go head-to-head with Robert Downey Jr.’s newly introduced Doctor Doom, Tatum explained that a double handled most of the heavy combat while he stepped in only for close-up shots. While that might sound like a setback, it confirms what leaked set photos already hinted at: the X-Men will be tangling with Doom directly. The looming question, of course, is whether Gambit – or any of the mutants teased for the film – will survive such a clash.
Fans who loved Tatum’s outrageous Cajun accent in Deadpool & Wolverine may notice a more restrained performance this time around. According to the actor, Marvel’s executives and directors Anthony and Joe Russo asked him to pull back slightly. Tatum explained, “I’m not gonna go full Cajun. They want Gambit funny, but not full Deadpool funny. There’s drama here, and when he drops the Mardi Gras mask, it’s supposed to matter.” The decision highlights Marvel’s balancing act – keeping the humor that fans expect while preventing it from overwhelming the darker stakes of Doomsday.
Still, Tatum emphasized that Gambit’s essence remains intact. The character is not a conventional world-saver, and that edge is exactly why fans love him. “He likes women, he smokes, he drinks. He’s got vices. And that contrast is important – he’s not just another perfect superhero,” Tatum said. In other words, Gambit will still bring the swagger, even if the accent is easier on non-Cajun audiences this time.
The creative choices around Gambit speak to a larger theme within Doomsday: the challenge of blending wildly different tones and characters into a single narrative. Doctor Doom’s presence signals that Marvel is finally stepping into darker, more menacing territory. If the rumors are true and Doom dismantles beloved universes early on, fans could see an introduction that rivals the menace of Thanos, but with a more ruthless flair. Tatum’s sidelined fight with Doom might only be the beginning of a much larger confrontation to come.
For now, speculation will continue to swirl, but Marvel has already planted the seeds of excitement. Tatum’s Gambit is back, Doctor Doom is finally entering the fray, and the stage is set for a showdown that promises drama, humor, and heartbreak in equal measure. With Avengers: Doomsday hitting theaters on December 18, 2026, fans have a long wait ahead – but the pieces are falling into place for an unforgettable ride.