Rupert Wyatt has closed a deal to direct Channing Tatum in 20th Century Fox’s comic book movie “Gambit,” TheWrap has learned.
Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner are producing the “X-Men” spinoff with Tatum and his producing partner Reid Carolin. Joshua Zetumer wrote the screenplay.
Tatum will play New Orleans thief Remy LeBeau, aka super-powered mutant Gambit, who has the ability to harness kinetic energy.
Wyatt is a substantial ‘get’ for the studio, which chased after many other directors including Gareth Evans (“The Raid”) and J.C. Chandor (“Margin Call”). He has experience directing blockbuster movies and working with A-list movie stars.
Wyatt previously directed “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” for Fox, as well as Mark Wahlberg‘s “The Gambler” and the acclaimed indie thriller “The Escapist.” He’s represented by UTA.
“Gambit” will open on Oct. 7, 2016.
Wyatt’s hiring was first reported by Entertainment Weekly.