'Gambit' cast, news & spoilers: Anna Paquin shuts down rumors of Rogue's involvement in the film

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Actress Anna Paquin, who plays Rogue in Marvel's X-Men, was quick to deny any involvement in the upcoming "Gambit" film, Entertainment Weekly reports. She replied a curt "no" when fans asked her via Twitter if she will be part of the 2016 film. In the X-Men comic universe, Paquin's Rogue is romantically involved with Channing Tatum's Gambit, which is why fans have speculated about her appearance in the anticipated film. In Bryan's Singer's adaptation of X-Men, however, Paquin's Rogue is in a relationship with Shawn Ashmore's Iceman.

IGN reports that following this news, Paquin again took to Twitter to clarify, writing, "That wasn’t a press release!!! I was asked and answered with the information that I currently have. That is all!"

Gambit, who audiences first knew was played by Taylor Kitsch in a very small role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, has earned his solo film, which is set to debut in 2016. Cinemablend reports that Kitsch did not audition again for the standalone film, saying, "I didn’t have a go. Ever since we finished the movie, it’s never really been an option. But no, I wish [Channing] nothing but the best. It was a fun character to play, and I learned a lot working with Hugh [Jackman] and had an amazing time in Australia. I’m sure they’re doing their own thing with it, and I’m sure Channing will be great."

It seems like a good move for Kitsch, as the Gambit production is reportedly hitting several speed bumps on the road to completion. Variety reported earlier this month that director Rupert Wyatt has stepped down, causing delays in production.

"I was very much looking forward to working with my friend Channing and the team at Fox, but regrettably a push in the start date now conflicts with another project," Wyatt explained in a statement. "I thank them for the opportunity and I know that Gambit will make a terrific film."

Gambit, which was set to start filming this November, has been pushed back, but the release date still stands in October of next year. Josh Zetumer wrote the script, while the producers list include Tatum, Reid Carolin, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Simon Kinberg.

The Inquisitr reports that the costs of making Gambit continues to rise as delays happen, causing FOX to look at alternative ways to approach the making of the film. It was also not long ago that Tatum himself dropped out of the role, but his return was confirmed with his appearance during the International Comic Con with the rest of the X-Men cast. FOX is reportedly attempting to rewrite the Gambit script following the lukewarm welcome of the Fantastic Four reboot.

Gambit was announced to hit theaters on Oct. 7, 2016.