Channing Tatum ready to end 'Magic Mike' hiatus but only if 'septuagenarian strippers' get involved
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: 'Magic Mike: Last Dance' was indeed Channing Tatum's one last hurrah to the character that audiences could not get enough of for years. Tatum maintained that the franchise has been milked to the point of zero future potential, but still managed to give audiences hope. He is still open to one odd scenario that would make him return as the charismatic Michael Lane — the strippers' edition of 'Grumpy Old Men'. "That would be the only thing I would come back for, 'Grumpy Old Strippers,'" Tatum said. "Like 'Grumpy Old Men: Septuagenarian Strippers.'"
Yes! you heard it right, that is the only thing which would make him revisit the franchise. Tatum was still hopeful for the future of 'Magic Mike' and his character despite the struggles he witnessed during filming. He spoke about the possibility of his involvement in a spin-off, during the release of his new children's book 'The One and Only Sparkella and the Big Lie', as reported by People.
Is Channing Tatum done with 'Magic Mike'?
Channing may be adamant about not wanting to do anything with his 'Magic Mike' character anymore given the physical toll it took on him during the filming process. The actor was repeatedly found saying that the eating regimen and strict training does not account for healthy lifestyle nor is it anyway near his definition of health. He was hesitant to sign for the third movie given the physical demands of the role were extremely taxing for him.
While he maintains that the strict discipline may have allowed him to attain an attractive physical transformation for the role, he does not encourage his fans or audiences to follow the same routine. It may end up having negative repercussions on someone's health because the way to achieve that sort of bodily transformation is often a semi-starvation diet. Amidst all the struggles and complaints, it is an interesting find that he'd still be willing to remain a part of the franchise.
Only 'stripper grandpas' can get him on-board
While as interesting as it sounds to witness 'septuagenarian strippers' on the big screen or to even picture Tatum in his old-age trying to portray a 'stripper grandpa' himself, the difficulties involved in maintaining that exact physique may have prompted an immediate rejection from him. However, he may say yes for a cameo despite clarifying that he is done with the role.
Even though old age strippers exist, seldom have they been represented on the big screen. As the critical and commercial failure of 'Magic Mike: Last Dance' put the future of the franchise in a jeopardy, one can only hope for the return of Michael Lane someday to work his charm on new audiences.
With the underwhelming responses received by both 'Magic Mike XXL' and 'Magic Mike: Last Dance', it seems as if the audiences are not in dire need of a fourth instalment. Channing, on the other hand, is busy promoting his children's book series which is available for purchase now.