Channing Tatum, who was once set to lead a solo Gambit film before its eventual cancellation, is clinging to hope that his upcoming cameo in “Deadpool 3” could resurrect the project.

“I pray to God that [the cameo] leads to something more,” Tatum revealed in a recent interview. “I’m excited to finally put on the suit again and bring Gambit to life, even if it’s just a brief appearance. But I really believe in this character, and I hope audiences will see the potential for a full-fledged movie.”

Tatum’s enthusiasm for Gambit stems from a long-held passion for the X-Men character. He was initially attached to star in a standalone “Gambit” film back in 2014, but the project faced numerous delays and eventually fell apart.

However, with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox and the subsequent integration of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a fresh wave of optimism has swept through fans. The inclusion of Gambit in “Deadpool 3” has ignited speculation about a potential standalone film, especially given the character’s popularity and Tatum’s commitment to the role.

“I’ve been working on this character for years, and I’m ready to bring him to the screen in a way that honors his legacy and satisfies the fans,” Tatum stated. “I think there’s a lot of story to tell, and I’m confident that a Gambit film could be a huge success.”

While a standalone “Gambit” movie remains unconfirmed, Tatum’s involvement in “Deadpool 3” has sparked excitement and speculation. Fans eagerly await his appearance, hoping it will be the catalyst for the character’s return to the big screen in a more substantial form.

Only time will tell if Tatum’s prayers are answered, but one thing is clear: his dedication to Gambit is unwavering, and the possibilities for the character’s future within the MCU are tantalizingly open.