AceShowbiz -

Back in 2015, Fox decided that they're going to make X-Men spin-off "Gambit (2019)". After years of gestation, the studio cast "Magic Mike" actor Channing Tatum as the titular character. Following Tatum's casting, Variety reports that "Masters of Sex" alum Lizzy Caplan is now in talks to be the female lead of the film, although her role is kept secret for now.

The spin-off film went through director changes. First, Rupert Wyatt ("Rise of the Planet of the Apes") was set to direct the film, but he dropped out. He was replaced by Doug Liman ("Edge of Tomorrow"), who delayed the film in order to perfect the script and story. Earlier this year, however, Liman left the director's chair and Gore Verbinski ("Pirates of the Caribbean" movies) took over the part.

Initially, under Wyatt's direction, the film's female part was meant to be Belladonna Bourdreaux, a member of Assassins' Guild and Gambit's love interest. Lea Seydoux was eyed to take on the role, but Wyatt stepped down from his position. Two years have passed and the script may have evolved. Therefore, it is unknown whether Caplan will be playing Bourdreaux or someone else. There is a speculation that Caplan is either playing Rogue, a longtime love interest of Gambit, or the film's female supervillain, Candra the Benefactress.

There is no plot detail, but rumor says that the film will focus on Gambit's life before joining the X-Men, when Gambit used to be a member of Thieves' Guild. Back in 2015, producer Simon Kinberg said that "Gambit" would be different from "Deadpool" and "X-Men" films. He said, " 'Gambit' will have its own different flavor and tone to it, will be more of like a heist movie and a sexy thriller in a way." Even though Kinberg made his statement two years ago and there may be some changes to the story, there is still a possibility that the film still revolves around that heist and "sexy thriller."

"Gambit" is expected to begin its production early next year in New Orleans. Fox has set the film to hit U.S. theaters on February 14, 2019.