Gambit has dealt with a lot of obstacles and behind-the-scenes issues during its development, but over the course of 2017, the movie starring Remy LeBeau has finally started to make progress again. Now scheduled to drop in early 2019, rumors and reports have surfaced in recent months about who we may see in the Ragin' Cajun's standalone adventure. While not officially confirmed yet, both Mister Sinister and Candra have been named as the possible main antagonists, but the latest Gambit update also suggests that we could see the eponymous protagonist could go up against Donyell Taylor, who's better known in the comics as Bandit and Night Thrasher.
The folks over at That Hashtag Show have posted casting information for a character who will appear in Gambit. This individual, who is only identified only as "Butler," is described as a supporting character 30-40 years old who is "Rosa's" fiancé and a villain with "metrosexual charm." The actor being sought for this role must be "physically imposing." Looking at the Gambit source material, this description matches Donyell Taylor, meaning that "Rosa" likely refers to Bella Donna Boudreaux, one of Gambit's main romantic interests who has long been expected to appear in the movie.
In the comics, Donyell Taylor has the mutant ability to create a bioelectrical charge, whether it's through direct contact or electrifying one of the arrows he shoots with his wrist-mounted crossbow. He is also a skilled acrobat and martial artist. Donyell is primarily affiliated with the New Warriors, and he inherited his current identity, Night Thrasher, from his brother, Dwayne. Donyell crossed into Gambit's life when he entered into a relationship with Bella Donne Boudreaux, who had been divorced from Gambit for a while by that point. However, it was soon revealed that Donyell was manipulating Bella for his own purposes, and when Gambit came back to New Orleans and reveals what Donyell has been doing, they split up. Presumably Donyell would serve in a similar romantic rival capacity for Gambit, and if he is indeed showing up in the movie, this would be his first appearance outside of the printed page.
So far Gambit's cast only consists of Channing Tatum as the eponymous protagonist and Lizzy Caplan as a yet-to-be-revealed character. Gore Verbinski will direct the movie, a job that previously belonged to Rupert Wyatt and Doug Liman before they stepped out due to scheduling conflicts and creative differences, respectively. This will be the second time Gambit has appeared on the big screen, as he was originally played by Taylor Kitsch in X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Gambit is slated to hit theaters on February 14, 2019. Head over to our X-Men movies guide to see what other mutant-centric projects are lined up, and for movies arriving a little sooner, scan through our 2018 premiere guide.
