AceShowbiz -

It has been reported that Fox is moving forward with the plan to give "Gambit (2016)" a standalone movie with Channing Tatum already attached to portray the superhero. "Robocop" scribe Josh Zetumer has been hired to write the screenplay.

Per Deadline, the script will be based on a treatment penned by legendary Marvel Comics writer Chris Claremont who created the character for Marvel in 1990 with Jim Lee. Plot for the movie is still kept under wraps and no release date has been set.

Tatum previously hinted that Fox planned to develop solo "Gambit" film before making him join the "X-Men" universe. "We've talked about it being a standalone, first, and actually trying to change the 'hero, superhero movie,' " he said in a chat with MTV News, adding, "Because Gambit is not your typical hero. He's a thief. He walks on the gray. I'm hoping we can change it a little bit, and then ultimately feather into the other ones."

The actor was the original choice to play Gambit in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" but he dropped out due to scheduling conflicts and was replaced by Taylor Kitsch. "I've been pretty vocal about wanting to be the part of Gambit for a very long time," he said. "It's a weird, pinching-myself moment that we're even having the conversation."

Tatum will also produce the "Gambit" movie with his Free Association partner Reid Carolin, The Donners Company's Lauren Shuler Donner and Genre Films' Simon Kinberg.