Channing Tatum Practicing For Gambit Role By Throwing Cards At Jonah Hill

Channing Tatum is gearing up to play X-Men’s Gambit and the actor has been practicing his moves on “22 Jump Street” co-star Jonah Hill.

“He’s been throwing cards at my face all day for the past three weeks – ever since he figured out he might play Gambit,” Jonah told Access Hollywood of Channing at the “22 Jump Street” junket. “He’s literally just been flicking playing cards in my face.”

“I actually do throw cards,” Channing admitted, laughing.

Channing’s penchant for card throwing began in childhood, according to the actor.

“I used to throw cards around the house all the time when I was a kid, because – I’m not a big X-Men head, like, I don’t know everything about every single character, and I probably don’t know as much as like the Gambit heads do – but he was my favorite,” Channing said. “I just love him.”

When asked if he’s begun work on the Gambit film, Channing said the wheels are in motion, but it’s not completely a done deal.

“Everybody is starting to get the train moving, but it’s such a large mechanism,” he said. “It’s one of those things where the lawyers are talking their weird language now. Marvel is so big – it’s so big. If they let you in, you’re just so happy.

“But they have to decide whether they’re really going to let you in or not,” he added.

And Channing has Jonah’s support to play the card-throwing mutant.

“He’d be amazing!” Jonah said, when asked if Channing would make a good Gambit.

“22 Jump Street” hits theaters on June 13.

— Erin O’Sullivan