Since the ‘90s, Gambit has been one of the most popular X-Men characters, and he will soon be the subject of a live-action film starring Channing Tatum as Gambit. Throughout Gambit’s comic book history, all of his major relationships have been with women, especially with his teammate, Rogue.
But in 2012, writer James Asmus had something else in mind for Gambit’s sexual orientation. While speaking with Bleeding Cool, Asmus confirmed that he had intended to reveal that Gambit was bisexual.
“It’s true that I was interested in revealing Gambit to be bisexual in our series – with us first seeing him seduce a man on one of his missions, and soon thereafter meeting a member of the thieves guild Gambit previously had a more significant relationship with in his pre-X-Men debut,” wrote Asmus. “I never got past pitching the first part, though, as word came down we wouldn’t be redefining the character as such.”
Related: Gambit Solo Movie Confirmed after X-Men: Apocalypse
“A few important disclaimers, though… first, I have no idea how high or low on the totem pole that decision was made, or for what reasons,” added Asmus. “But my editor on the book was the fabulous Daniel Ketcham who is an out man and prominent voice for LBGT diversity in comics. Though the memory is hazy (I pitched a LOT of different ideas for that book) I don’t think he was keen on the idea just from a practical / story stand point. And as I mentioned, I had lots of different concepts I was happy to explore – so in fairness, the No wasn’t something I fought against.”
“And in hindsight, maybe that pitch was too half-baked,” continued Asmus. “Either way, we never did anything to go against the idea he’s bisexual. So maybe someone else will craft that story?”
Quick question for comic fans, has there ever been an in-canon comic book appearance by Gambit that suggested he had any sexual feelings for another man? Because otherwise that change in Gambit’s orientation would probably have caught long-time readers by surprise. Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis outed the teenage version of Iceman earlier this year, so there is a precedent for the company to do that. Whether it ever happens to Gambit remains to be seen.
X-Men fans, where do you fall on the idea of Gambit being bisexual? Share your opinions in the comment section below!
