Channing Tatum Returns For One Last Dance
Feb 2, 2023
MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE opens February 10th
Years before he would hit it big as a Hollywood heartthrob and as one of the most charismatic actors of his generation, Channing Tatum made a living in Florida as a night club stripper. After proving this talent to audiences on a larger scale in movies like STEP UP, his earlier professional experiences would inspire the 2012 drama, MAGIC MIKE – a critically acclaimed box office hit that inspired a 2015 sequel called MAGIC MIKE XXL, a live stage show that launched in Las Vegas and expanded into an international tour, and a reality show in which dancers compete for a chance perform in said live show. This year, however, the franchise is, supposedly, coming to a close… on the big screen at least.
One of the most highly anticipated movies of 2023 is MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE, which sees Tatum reprising the title character – arguably his most iconic role, but inarguably the most personal of his career – for the third time. However, this latest installment is flipping the script a little bit with a fresh ensemble of enigmatic characters and a whole new kind of venue and format to present what could be Mike’s sexiest and most powerful performance yet. Before the sequel comes to AMC Theatres on Friday, February 10th, let’s take a quick sneak peek at what Tatum’s talented character is up to these days.
When we first met Mike Lane in the original MAGIC MIKE, he was working as a roofer by day and moonlighting as the star performer of the Xquisite Strip Club’s Kings of Tampa, but dreamed of having his own business one day. MAGIC MIKE XXL would reveal that, since quitting the exotic dancing life three years earlier, said dream had come true in the form of his own furniture business, until pressing circumstances lure him back to the stage.
In MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE, we see Tatum’s character in a similar situation as he was at the beginning of the second installment, but with the glaring exception that he has needed to take jobs as a bartender in Florida. However, a new opportunity to rediscover what he does best and come back to the stage again, bigger and better than ever, suddenly comes his way, along with a chance for romance, too.
The MAGIC MIKE movies have never really been a solo affair, because Tatum has been joined by a stellar supporting cast of appealing male performers such as Alex Pettyfer, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer and Academy Award® winner Matthew McConaughey. Yet, his leading role status has never been questioned, considering it is his name at the top of the bill. That is not so much the case this time, because he is sharing top-billing with another legendary Hollywood sex symbol. However, instead of another male exotic dancer to share the spotlight with, it is a woman to share a passion for dance and for romance with, played by Salma Hayek Pinault.
The Mexican-born Academy Award nominee – nominated for playing the title role in the 2000 biopic, FRIDA – stars in MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE as a beautiful, wealthy socialite named Maxandra Mendoza, who is charmed by Mike when he serves her a drink. After he demonstrates his scintillating abilities for her in an impromptu, private performance in her own home, she convinces him that now is the time to bring Magic Mike back to life, but not at just another strip joint. She convinces him to come with her to London, where they will conceive and choreograph an erotic stage show at a historic venue that will make the audience members’ heads spin and take the world of musical theatre by storm.
It should probably go without saying, based on the title alone, that – according to Deadline – MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE is, indeed, intended to be Channing Tatum’s last dance as Magic Mike. However, it appears that the actor – who also produced the first two installments – is really looking to go out with a bang this time, considering who else is involved behind the scenes.
The eclectic, visionary Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh – who directed the original MAGIC MIKE movie – is finally returning to the helm with the third installment, having only served as the editor and cinematographer on MAGIC MIKE XXL, which was directed by Gregory Jacobs. Tatum’s longtime creative partner, Reid Carolin – who also wrote and produced the first two installments and co-directed the 2022 dramedy DOG with Tatum – has also returned to pen the screenplay.
It has already been more than 10 years since the world first laid eyes on Magic Mike. It seems like a perfect time for everyone to have their last dance with him. Jump in and enjoy the show when MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE hits an AMC Theatres location near you!
MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE opens February 10th
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