Sometimes you get dealt a pretty rough hand in the filmmaking business. For a certain X-Men spinoff, it seemed as if everyone was all in after a bluff, but it actually appears that someone had to fold. You see, after almost losing its star a few weeks back, 20th Century Fox’s ‘Gambit‘ has another problem on their hands. Though Channing Tatum is still in line to play the Ragin’ Cajun in his own spinoff film, the production has just lost its director.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ director Rupert Wyatt has departed from Fox’s upcoming Marvel mutant movie starring Remy LeBeau. Wyatt has been an instrumental part in getting the project off the ground, but scheduling conflicts have caused him to pass the baton to another filmmaker. Some sources say that these conflicts were the result of the film’s budget ballooning due to script changes, but others note that shooting so close to Mardi Gras became a problem. Either way, adjustments had to be made and the shoot had to be extended and pushed back. When the plans were finalized, they didn’t fit into the director’s slate. In a statement issued by Wyatt, he explains the situation in his own words and expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to work on the project:

“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. I thank them for the opportunity, and I know that ‘Gambit’ will make a terrific film.”

With an October 2016 release date and shooting scheduled to begin very soon, there’s not much time to find a director to step in. That being said, it’s not impossible to find a replacement and still have the film turn out just fine. Peyton Reed’s ‘Ant-Man’ is the perfect example. But the question remains: Who will be the new director for ‘Gambit’? Surely the studio is working swiftly to find that person as we speak, so we’ll be sure to keep you updated as soon as more information emerges from this developing story.

Are you disappointed that Rupert Wyatt had to exit ‘Gambit’? Which filmmakers do you think would be suitable replacements? Sound off in the comments below.