Producer Lauren Shuler Donner may be on the way to getting Channing Tatum on set for a new Gambit movie. However that may be, what does bring curiosity is how the character would look in a live-action setting following actor Taylor Kitsch’s rendition of the classic Marvel character for the 2009 film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Of course, leave it to the inspired creativity of independent filmmaker Vlad Rimburg in lieu of his new Gambit-attributed X-Men concept video now available on his YouTube channel. Rimburg, whose own resume of awesome independent shortfilms over the last fifteen years have abstained from use visual effects-enhanced fight choreography due to lack of time and convenience. So this is not to say that Rimburg has not yet caught onto the trend, but quite the opposite, especially in an age where superhero movies now dominate the box office.
“I love it!” says Rimburg. “Chris Clements, our visual effects guru, was there the day we shot. I would always ask him if the shot worked for him, and he would tell me that I could pretty much do anything. He made it really easy for me, and I would love to do more work like this. It really allows for the mind to do almost anything.”.
The past few years have been notably good to Rimburg, having assisted a few of Hollywood’s most respected actors and revered stunt professionals while being introduced to a number of actors and directors as he works his way up. As a result, more and more people have, and are taking notice, particulary stuntman and actor Antal Kalik who performs the title role in the new short.
“Antal expressed interest in shooting this particular kind of piece, and I told him I know the perfect guy who can help make this better than what we could ourselves.” says fellow performer Gui DaSilva. “He was already a fan of Vlad but he did really know if he wanted to do something like this, or even how to get in touch. Thankfully, me just being the middle man, I’m glad it all worked out.”.
Even moreso, Rimburg himself is also an admirer of the character, even considering him to be one of the coolest, slickest and most versatile characters he’s ever known dating back to the 1990’s animated series. And to boot, Kalik‘s performance first time working with Rimburg is earning great praise between the two.
“Antal was great.” says Rimburg. “When I first met him at the gym (which was the only time we met before we actaully shot), he was working hard, and I like people who work hard and dedicate time to their craft. From acting beats to fighting beats, he took my direction really well and made it happen, no matter how many times we re-did shots. I would love to see his face in front of the camera as the character on the big screen.”.
If there was ever more proof that independent action talent deserves such great attention, the case can’t be made more clearer than for Vlad Rimburg and the people he collaborates with. He’s got aspirations and would love to have the opportunity to be a part of a major production that can give him the right tools and the right people he needs to make his vision come to life in a big, big way. Personally, I can only hope we don’t have to wait too long.
Rimburg now has a fan page on Facebook where you can interact with him and connect with the online fan base. So feel free to subscribe, and for more information on the Santa Clarita-based stunt facility, Action Factory where this project was filmed, head over to the official website. In the meantime, the journey is far from over, so enjoy the new video below and stay tuned for more awesomeness!
