Channing Tatum on board for Gambit film

Channing Tatum is set to join the X-Men universe if movie mogul Lauren Shuler Donner has her way - she wants the Magic Mike hunk to play comic book hero Gambit in a new film.

Donner, the producer of upcoming X-Men movie Days of Future Past tells Empire magazine that Tatum is on board for the project.

She says, "I’m dying to do a Gambit movie with Channing Tatum. That doesn’t have to be a great big movie. It’s a thief in New Orleans, it’s a whole different story.

"He’s on board, and I have to get the studio on board. How can anyone resist Channing? He’s such a sweetheart."

Channing has previously shown an interest in the role, which was played by Taylor Kitsch in 2009's X-Men: Origins.

Back in 2012, the actor told Total Film magazine, "Gambit’s my favorite (comic book hero), 'cause I’m from New Orleans - or around that area. My dad’s from New Orleans.

"No knock on Taylor Kitsch, though, ’cause I actually like his Gambit."