The X-Men universe is buzzing with excitement as Marvel Studios gears up for its live-action mutant movie and the next seasons of the animated hit X-Men '97. While fans eagerly await the big-screen reboot, one beloved voice actor from the classic cartoon has a clear vision for who should wield Gambit's kinetic cards.
Chris Potter, who voiced Gambit in the iconic X-Men: The Animated Series and later returned as Cable in X-Men '97, recently shared his dream casting choice. During a panel at Tampa Bay Comic Con, moderated by Collider's Maggie Lovitt, Potter revealed that he'd love to see Austin Butler take on the role of the Cajun mutant. "I really like Austin Butler, though. I could see him play a good Gambit," Potter said, adding with a laugh, "And I could play his grandfather."
Potter's comments came in response to a fan question about whether the original cast was excited about the live-action films back in the day. He admitted he actually auditioned for Cyclops in the first X-Men movie, but his heart was set on Gambit. "I was thinking: 'I don't even want to play this guy. I want to play Gambit. He's not in this movie, but he'll be in the next movie, because Gambit's great,'" he recalled. Unfortunately, Gambit never made it into the original film series, aside from a brief appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine played by Taylor Kitsch.
Now, with Marvel's X-Men movie officially in the works, the casting buzz is heating up. The studio has already announced a star-studded lineup, including Inde Navarette as Rogue, Samara Weaving as Emma Frost, Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Maya Boyd as Storm, Christopher Abbott as Professor X, Kit Connor as Cyclops, and Adam Driver as Mister Sinister. But Gambit's fate remains uncertain, especially since Channing Tatum recently played the character in Deadpool & Wolverine and is set to return in Avengers: Doomsday.
Potter's endorsement of Butler adds a new layer to the conversation. Butler, known for his transformative roles in Elvis and Dune: Part Two, has the charisma and intensity that could fit Gambit perfectly. And while Potter joked about playing his grandfather, it's a fun thought that he could be part of the MCU in some capacity.
As the X-Men franchise continues to expand, fans are eager to see how the animated and live-action worlds connect. X-Men '97 has been a hit, and Marvel TV boss Brad Winderbaum confirmed that seasons three and four are on the way over the next two years. Meanwhile, the live-action movie is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated projects in the MCU.
For now, Potter's pick is just one fan's dream, but it's a compelling one. Whether Marvel listens to the veteran voice actor remains to be seen, but it's clear that the legacy of Gambit is in good hands—whether it's Butler, Tatum, or someone else entirely.
Stay tuned for more updates on all things X-Men, including the upcoming Wolverine game and other Marvel projects. And if you're curious about how other actors have shaped the Marvel universe, check out our piece on Erin Moriarty's impact.
