Fox’s Gambit adaptation starring Channing Tatum, based on the popular X-Men comic character, has lost director Rupert Wyatt.
THR has learned that Wyatt has decided to step down from the project due to changes in the production. “One source told The Hollywood Reporter that a changing script caused the film’s budget to be larger than expected, extending the shoot, and prompting the push,” their report states. “Another source said that the shooting schedule around Mardi Gras caused the reshuffling. Either way, it became a conflict for Wyatt, who had to exit.”
Rupert Wyatt directed the critically acclaimed Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011, which was also at Fox.
Said Rupert Wyatt in a statement, “I was very much looking forward to working with my friend Channing and the team at Fox, but regrettably a push in the start date now conflicts with another project. I thank them for the opportunity, and I know that Gambit will make a terrific film.”
Budget issues may be one particularly important issue for Fox following the difficulties Fantastic Four faced over the summer.
Wyatt had joined Gambit in June, and a month later Channing Tatum appeared at San Diego Comic-Con with other Fox/X-Men cast to promote their various upcoming films (Namely X-Men: Apocalypse and Deadpool). Actress Lea Seydoux joined Gambit late last month and will play Bella Donna Boudreaux.
Now, the search is on for a new director. Gambit is slated to hit theaters October 2016.