Channing Tatum has been interested in making "X-Men" spinoff "Gambit" for years, but apparently, not everyone in Hollywood shares his vision. The flick had a hard time securing a director, and when it finally did, he bailed on the job. Now, it appears that a replacement has been selected.

The Hollywood Reporter writes that Doug Liman is the new top choice for the directing gig, and is currently in final negotiations to take over from the recently-departed Rupert Wyatt. Liman has plenty of experience in the action genre, helming 2014's "Edge of Tomorrow" and past hits including "The Bourne Identity" and "Mr. & Mrs. Smith."

While THR notes that those latter two films had trouble-laden shoots, both were big hits with critics and audiences alike. And according to the trade, Liman reportedly has a close relationship with "Gambit" producer Simon Kinberg, who will help steer the proceedings.

It's basically do or die at this point for "Gambit," which has a late 2016 release date looming. Wyatt said he left the project over scheduling issues, but THR reports that he really had creative differences with the studio. Here's hoping Liman doesn't have any such issues, otherwise this mutant might have to be put down.

"Gambit" is due in theaters -- for now -- on October 7, 2016.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]

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