It's no secret that the Gambit movie has developed at a glacial pace. The film has languished in development hell for years, and although we know that Channing Tatum remains attached to the project, few other details related to it have come forward. That may have just changed in a major way, as new rumors about the solo X-Men film not only suggest that Mr. Sinister will be the movie's villain, but James Bond actor Daniel Craig may step into the role.
Though specific details remain sparse at this point, the Splash Report suggests that the core premise of the Gambit film will see Mr. Sinister (a.k.a Nathanial Essex, teased at the end of X-Men: Apocalypse) hire Remy LeBeau to recover a trunk (whose contents remain a mystery) after it is stolen by the Boudreaux clan. The story will take place in New Orleans in the midst of the Thieves Ball during Mardis Gras -- creating a fantastic backdrop that we have seldom seen in an X-Men movie. For the role of Sinister, these reports have hinted that Daniel Craig (while not officially confirmed in any capacity) has had "conversations" about signing onto the project.
If true, the pairing of Daniel Craig and Channing Tatum would make quite a bit of sense when we consider their recent work together on Steven Soderbergh's Logan Lucky. Tatum reportedly praised Craig's work on the film, and his own good word could potentially go a long way towards getting the ball rolling on casting the 007 star. Other reports related to the Gambit movie have suggested that it will take ample inspiration from Logan and Deadpool with regards to the boldness of its creative choices, so another daring heist film may be enough to convince Craig to once again work with Tatum.
It is also important to point out that someone like Mr. Sinister seems like a potentially fantastic fit for an actor like Daniel Craig. A scientist from the Victorian era, the British villain is genetically modified with superhuman attributes, as well as super intelligence and telepathic abilities. He is one of the darker X-Men villains out there, but also one of the oddest. Given Craig's down and dirty take on Bond, as well as his absolutely bonkers portrayal of Joe Bang in Logan Lucky, it seems entirely possible that this could be a perfect casting choice if it pans out.
If this story about Daniel Craig potentially taking on the role of Mr. Sinister proves credible, then it could have some massive implications for the greater X-Men cinematic universe beyond the Gambit movie. Mr. Sinister has all of the makings of a proper "big bad," and his deep ties with Cable could allow for a great crossover once the time-traveling mutant has been introduced during the events of Deadpool 2. Does this mean that Josh Brolin will face off against Daniel Craig? We don't know yet, but the idea intrigues us to no end.
CinemaBlend will keep you posted with more details related to Daniel Craig's possible involvement in the Gambit film as the situation develops. Until then, New Mutants will hit theaters next year on April 13, 2018; Deadpool 2 will follow on June 1, 2018, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix will round out the year on November 2, 2018.
