[Tom4784]

Channing Tatum has been confirmed to play Gambit in future X-Men films.

Producer Lauren Shuler Donner recently named Tatum as her ideal choice to play the comic book character, before it emerged that he was in talks for a potential solo film.

Donner has now confirmed that Tatum has signed up for a future project, telling Total Film: "It is Channing."

Explaining why Tatum has been selected, she said: "He's a rogue, he's a rascal, just like Remy LeBeau.

"He can handle the action, as we know, and he's got a real good heart, I know him personally."

She added: "He'll be great for Gambit, and he's a southerner too, he understands that world, and you know Gambit loves New Orleans."

Tatum previously expressed interest in the role, telling MTV: "I met with Lauren Shuler Donner. And I would love it. Gambit is really the only X-Man I've ever loved.

"I mean I've loved them all, they're all great, but I guess from being down south - my dad's from Louisiana, I'm from Mississippi, Alabama, Florida - I don't know. I just related to him."