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Josh Holloway Says He Was Briefly Cast as Gambit for X-Men Origins: Wolverine Before Studio Chose a Younger Actor

Holloway’s account, shared at Fan Expo Portland via Collider, lands as Channing Tatum’s Gambit reenters the spotlight in the MCU.

Overview

  • Holloway said he read with Hugh Jackman, was told he had the role of Gambit, and had begun preparing, including learning card tricks.
  • He recounted that a studio head reversed the decision the same evening, seeking someone “10 years younger,” leading to Taylor Kitsch’s casting.
  • The revelation was made during a Fan Expo Portland panel and first reported by Collider, with multiple outlets echoing the account.
  • X-Men Origins: Wolverine earned roughly $373 million worldwide and holds a 37% Rotten Tomatoes score, which blunted plans for character spin-offs.
  • After years offscreen, Gambit returned via Channing Tatum’s 2024 cameo and is reported to appear again in Avengers: Doomsday on December 18, 2026.