"Magic Mike," a movie about a male stripper who aspires to be a furniture maker, was a box office success in 2012. But did you know that the film was inspired by the real-life experiences of actor Channing Tatum who starred in and produced the film? In this article, we will explore how Channing Tatum built "Magic Mike" and made it a success.
Tatum's Background
Before he became an actor, Tatum was a male adult performer himself. It was his experience in the industry that inspired the "Step Up" actor to create "Magic Mike." Tatum started performing at the age of 19, after dropping out of college and struggling to make ends meet. He worked at a club in Tampa, Florida, where he learned how to entertain and captivate a crowd.
JOE BUGLEWICZ/ HBO MAX | Three years after the success of the first film, Tatum teamed up with his co-stars once again for Magic Mike XXL in 2015
Tatum's Inspiration for "Magic Mike"
Upon hearing about his experiences as a stripper, Tatum was approached by director Steven Soderbergh, who asked him to co-produce and star in a film about the industry. Tatum saw the opportunity to create a movie that would accurately depict the experiences of male adult performers and also help to break down stereotypes and stigma surrounding the profession.
Tatum's Training for the Role
Tatum had to undergo rigorous training to prepare for his role as the titular character. He worked with his personal trainer Arin Babaian who helped him build muscle and tone his body. Tatum also had to learn how to dance and perform choreographed routines, which he did with the help of a dance instructor.
laudette Barius/ Courtesy Warner Bros. | A Magic Mike XXL sequel was released in 2015, raking in more than $120 million at the worldwide box office
Tatum's Collaboration with Soderbergh
Tatum worked closely with Soderbergh to ensure the film was as authentic and realistic as possible. They visited several strip clubs and talked to real-life male strippers to gain insight into the industry. Tatum also helped write the script, drawing on his experiences as a stripper.
Tatum's Promotion of the Film
Tatum was heavily involved in promoting "Magic Mike," attending red-carpet events and giving interviews to promote the film. He even went so far as to perform a live adult routine on "The Ellen Show," which went viral and helped to generate buzz for the film.
Warner Bros/ Studios | The franchise also inspired a successful Las Vegas stage show called “Magic Mike Live"
Tatum's Legacy with "Magic Mike"
"Magic Mike" was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $160 million at the box office (with a production budget of merely $6.5 million!). The film also spawned a sequel, "Magic Mike XXL," which Tatum starred in and produced. The franchise helped to elevate Tatum's career, leading to more leading roles in Hollywood films.
In addition to his success as an actor and producer, Tatum's involvement in "Magic Mike" also helped to change the conversation around male stripping. The film portrayed male strippers as real people with dreams, aspirations, and struggles rather than just objects of desire. It also helped to break down stereotypes and stigmas surrounding the industry, leading to a more open and accepting attitude toward male strippers.
