Rupert Wyatt has quit his directorial role in Channing Tatum's 'X-Men' spin-off 'Gambit'.

The 42-year-old filmmaker has left the forthcoming film in limbo after he announced today (17.09.15) his decision to step down from the project due to a clash in schedules.

He said in a statement: ''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.''

Wyatt - who directed the revival of 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' - was forced to drop out after a new draft of the script increased the budget and subsequently pushed the shooting schedule, which was originally set for early spring, back.

It's believed Fox is frantically looking for Wyatt's replacement to work alongside producers Tatum, Simon Kinberg, Reid Carolin and Lauren Shuler Donner.

Meanwhile, Lea Seydoux recently signed on to play Belladonna Boudreaux in the fictional superhero film after fighting off competition from the likes of Abbey Lee.

'Gambit' is set to his cinema screens in October next year.