Channing Tatum Will Make His Directorial Debut With Drama 'Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock'

22 Jump StreetChanning Tatum has expressed his desire to get behind the camera lately, and at one point toyed with the idea of directing "Magic Mike: XXL." But making such a big leap was daunting and he expressed a desire to make a smaller film first. And while he’s not helming the stripper dramedy sequel, he is making that smaller movie.

Tatum and his pal Reid Carolin will co-direct an adaptation of Matthew Quick‘s "Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock." The book from the "Silver Linings Playbook" author follows "a troubled high schooler who plans to kill his best friend and then himself." James Ponsoldt ("Smashed") penned a previous draft of the script, but a new writer is being sought. Tatum might star in the movie too, but nothing is locked down yet. [THR]

“G.I. Joe: Retaliation” made $375 million worldwide in 2013, so where’s that sequel on the release date docket? Well, there’s really no firm plan for “G.I. Joe 3” yet, but there’s possibly some movement on a director. New rumors have filmmaker Martin Campbell (“Casino Royale,” “Green Lantern”) pegged for the gig. Jon M. Chu, who helmed ‘Retaliation,’ was slated to direct number three at one point, but he moved on earlier this year. [Schmoes Knows]

Yep, Disney loves their fairy tale live-action adaptations, and after the success of “Maleficent” and “Alice In Wonderland” it’s hard to blame them. Now they’re making a Tinkerbell movie, but the twist is Melissa McCarthy is going to star. At least they’re thinking a little different and it’s better casting than say, Demi Lovato or some young typical starlet. Shawn Levy (the “Night Of The Museum” franchise) will direct. [Variety]

Remember that old treasure hunt tale “Yucatan” that the late actor Steve McQueen wrote a treatment for back in the day? Team Downey bought that project a few years back and now, as you might have expected, it’s being tailored for Robert Downey Jr. himself. ‘Pirates’ scribe Terry Rossio has been hired to write the screenplay. [Deadline]

Speaking of the "Pirates Of The Caribbean" franchise, "The Giver" star Brenton Thwaites has nabbed a key role alongside Johnny Depp in "Pirates 5." Nephew? New sidekick? [THR]

Bryce Dallas Howard is in talks for Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” reboot which is being directed by “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” director David Lowery. [Variety]