Gore Verbinski has stepped away from directing the “X-Men” spin-off “Gambit,” an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Channing Tatum stars in the film set for a Valentine’s Day 2019 release. Verbinski joined the project in October following Rupert Wyatt’s departure in October 2015 and Doug Liman in August 2016.
Tatum will play the titular mutant superhero, who wields a bo staff and can throw energy-charged cards at his enemies and was a member of a thieves guild before reforming and joining the X-Men.
In November, it was reported that Lizzy Caplan was in talks to star alongside Tatum in the film. She would play the female lead in the film, but specifics of her role were not disclosed.
“Gambit” is the last of four X-Men films currently in development at Fox. The other three, which will be released this year, are Josh Boone’s horror film “The New Mutants,” David Leitch’s “Untitled Deadpool Sequel,” and Simon Kinberg’s “X-Men: Dark Phoenix.”
Josh Zetumer wrote the script for “Gambit,” while Tatum, Reid Carolin, Simon Kinberg and Lauren Shuler Donner are producing.
Verbinski last directed “A Cure for Wellness” and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” and is currently in pre-production on “Spaceless,” on which he also serves as producer. He is also serving as a producer on “The Last Son of Isaac Lemay” and “Bitterroot.”
Verbinski is represented by Anonymous Content, Slate PR and CAA.